Research Associate

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Department of Pathology at UMass Chan Medical School located in Worcester, Massachusetts, invites applications for Research positions at the Research Technician or Research Associate IV level. We are seeking individuals with a BA/BS in a Biological/Life Sciences. The ideal candidate would have a background in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology and/ or Biochemistry; experience working in a laboratory and with techniques in these areas is preferred but not required. We are looking for individuals with scientific curiosity, a strong work ethic and an interest in the immunological basis of health and disease. Specific research areas currently include, but are not limited to, development of immune cells and gene regulation; innate immunity, immunity to pathogens; and skin/mucosal immunology. These positions are an excellent opportunity for those applicants who have an overall interest in medical sciences and future interest in attending a graduate/medical school.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigators or designee, the Research Associate, performs a variety of specimen preparatory techniques, dry lab data collection, and high throughput assay optimization and utilization.

This individual will work closely with the laboratory Principle Investigators and senior scientists in conducting original biomedical research in the field of immunology. In addition to experimentation, the Technician’s duties will include managing laboratory supplies (inventorying stock, placing orders, and verifying receipt), assisting with equipment maintenance, and attending and participating in group and project meetings.

The applicant should be highly motivated to learn and contribute to research progress, with strong communication skill. Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or a related field is required. Experience as a research technician with cell culture and/or basic molecular biology techniques including cloning and PCR are preferred but not required. This is an ideal position for students applying to graduate or medical school programs in 2-3 years as the position includes opportunity and time allocated, if desired by the candidate, to participate in graduate level coursework. Alternatively, the skill set acquired in an academic setting will also provide opportunities for industry positions.

Applicants should send a cover letter outlining experience and career goals, curriculum vitae, and contact information for references.

This is an open-rank posting (there are 4 levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Research Associate I:

• Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project.
• Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used.
• Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps under the direction of the PI or designee.
• Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee.
• Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects.
• Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol
• Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice.
• Present findings at lab/group meetings
• Monitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
• Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
• Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards.
• Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
• Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements.
• Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
• Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
• Perform other duties as required.

Research Associate II:

Duties noted above plus:

• May assist with the training of new lab personnel.
• Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
• May assist with drafting manuscript sessions.

Research Associate III:

Duties noted above plus:

• Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects.
• Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
• Compile and analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications.
• May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as needed; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources.
• Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• May manage general operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
• May create new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI.
• Prioritize and perform several tasks or procedures simultaneously with attention to detail.
• Perform duties and experiments with independence.
• Provide training of new lab personnel.
• May monitor laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
• May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding.

Research Associate IV:

Duties noted above plus:

• This position will contribute significantly to the management of the research program and will be involved in multiple aspects of the research projects and lab maintenance activities.
• Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments.
• Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence.
• Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
• Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Monitor and enforce all safety regulations and infection control standards.
• Identify and write standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
• Train on IACUC, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
• Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
• Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
• Develop and implement new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI
• Mentor and train lab personnel on proper lab conduct and techniques.
• Manage laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
• Assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals.
• Negotiate with vendors to optimize available resources.
• Contribute independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants.
• Direct the activities of research support staff.
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Research Associate I

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience
• Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Research Associate II

• Requirements noted for RA I plus:
• 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 0 years with a related Master’s Degree.

Research Associate III

• Requirements noted for RA I plus:
• 3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Master’s Degree

Research Associate IV

• Requirements noted for RA I plus:
• 5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Master’s degree.

DESIRED SKILL SET AND EXPERIENCE:

• Judgment and action skills required to solve basic problems in experiments
• Strong communication skill
• Laboratory experience in biochemistry, molecular biology and/or immunology
• Experience with or willingness to work with animal models a plus
• Experience with high throughput screening a plus, but not required
• Work synergistically in a group setting
• Motivated and demonstrate ability to work independently and problem-solve
• Perform a variety of laboratory experiments using both routine and special techniques and methods
• Assist in more complex laboratory tasks, possibly involving small animal models
• Collect, analyze, and process laboratory samples
• Record results, organize data, and perform basic computations