Research Associate I - NEP

University of Massachusetts Medical School • Worcester, MA

1d

About The Position

This position provides operational support to the laboratory under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee. The Research Associate will perform research experiments as defined by the PI. This is an open-rank posting with four levels of Research Associate, and candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience. The goal of the Thyme lab is to understand and develop treatments for intellectual disability. Experimental responsibilities could include a variety of techniques such as molecular biology, biochemistry, bacterial directed evolution, zebrafish genome-editing, antibody staining, RNA in situ analysis, high-resolution imaging, high-throughput larval behavior, cell culture maintenance, drug screens, transcriptomics, mouse perfusion, mouse brain dissection, and mouse husbandry. Current and future projects focus on genes implicated in Down syndrome and chemical screens to find modulators of neurodevelopment.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 (for RA II).
• 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 (for RA III).
• 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 (for RA IV).

Nice To Haves

• Molecular biology (PCR, cloning)
• Biochemistry (protein purification)
• Bacterial directed evolution
• Zebrafish genome-editing
• Zebrafish line maintenance
• Antibody staining
• RNA in situ analysis
• High-resolution imaging
• High-throughput larval behavior
• Adult behavior
• Cell culture maintenance
• Drug screens
• Transcriptomics (bulk and single-cell RNA-seq)
• Mouse perfusion
• Mouse brain dissection
• Mouse husbandry

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Collecting, organizing, and reporting research data under minimal supervision.
• Assisting in the design of experiments.
• Maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Instructing others in basic laboratory techniques.
• Collecting and summarizing data.
• Monitoring results.
• Reporting unusual outcomes.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees