Research Associate III

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate will perform research experiments as defined by the PI. 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 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. The Pathology Department at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School specifically focuses on immunology and immunopathology research, with the purpose of uncovering cellular mechanisms that drive disease and can be used to protect against disease. The NIH-funded laboratory team, led by Dr. Susan L Swain, is currently looking to fill the position of Research Associate I-III. Our research aims to define the immune mechanism that protect against infection and how these may be harnessed to effectively generate immunity. In particular we study the generation of effector responses and memory carried out by T and B lymphocytes. The ideal candidate for this position would have a background in immunology, virology, and biochemistry, an interest in a career in medical sciences, and experience working in a previous laboratory setting. Training provided would help to prepare the candidate for advancement in the research associate track as well as for graduate school, medical school, or a Research Associate position in industry. Experimental day-to-day work will include working with influenza infection in mouse models, performing live infections, analysis of cellular responses by flow cytometry and by gene expression, and analysis of antibody production and examination of protection from re-infection.

Requirements

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
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.

Nice To Haves

background in immunology, virology, and biochemistry
interest in a career in medical sciences
experience working in a previous laboratory setting

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 needed in consultation with PI.
Become familiar with lab equipment and oversee maintenance
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.
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.
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.