Research Associate Metabolomics

Overview:
POSITION SUMMARY: 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is interested in supporting metabolism-based research projects in the department of Molecular Medicine in a variety of experimental models using liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (or designee) you will provide high-quality and professional operational support to our liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry platform by performing bench level experiments. You will use discretion in prioritizing and organizing workflows. You will be expected to work independently and as part of a team to ensure high-quality data acquisition in a state-of-the-art laboratory.

 

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

Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Research Associate I:

Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project.

Process and prepare samples for analysis by LCMS by following SOPs

Perform weekly cleaning and calibration of LCMS instrumentation

Perform data quality checks

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 needed.

Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc and clean laboratory glassware

Assist with and comply with all safety regulations 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:

Essential functions 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 manuscripts

Process and prepare samples for analysis by LCMS by following SOPs

Perform weekly cleaning and calibration of LCMS instrumentation

Perform data quality checks

Attend team meetings. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals

Consult with literature and scientific colleagues to maintain professional expertise

 

Research Associate III:

Essential functions 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 diligence

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.

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 manuscripts

Process and prepare samples for analysis by LCMS by following SOPs

Organize laboratory supplies and orders as necessary to maintain laboratory stocks

Perform weekly cleaning and calibration of LCMS instrumentation.

Perform data quality checks

Attend team meetings. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals

 

Research Associate IV:

Essential functions 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 needed

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 weekly cleaning and calibration of LCMS instrumentation

Perform data quality checks

Attend team meetings. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals

Qualifications:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Research Associate I

Bachelor’s degree in biological science/biochemistry/(analytical) chemistry, or a field directly related to the work

Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols

Proficient in basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including working with micropipettes and buffer making

Knowledge of Microsoft Office products

Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks

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 science/biochemistry/(analytical) chemistry 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 science/biochemistry/(analytical) chemistry or 1-year relevant research experience with a related master’s degree

Experience with chromatography and/ or mass spectrometry

Research Associate IV

Requirements noted for RA I plus:

5+ years of relevant research experience with a bachelor’s degree in biological science/biochemistry/(analytical) chemistry or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Masters degree or Ph.D.

Experience analyzing small molecules using chromatography and/or mass spectrometry

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (ALL LEVELS):

Interest in advanced data processing and analysis (use of Matlab, R, Python etc).

Familiarity with statistical models used to analyze large datasets

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