Research Associate III

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate III performs a variety of research experiments with independence. The position may provide general operational management to the laboratory and its personnel. The associate may be responsible for independent research projects and may contribute to laboratory operations, budgets, and grant or contract activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science and at least 3 years of relevant research experience, or a related master’s degree with 1 year of relevant research experience.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
Strong ability to analyze complex visual data quantitatively and objectively.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Proficient in managing IACUC protocols.
At least 5 years of experience working with mice.
Experience with animal surgeries.
Proficient in collecting samples from mice, including blood and harvested tissues.

Responsibilities

Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects.
Use software relevant to experiments and equipment.
Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with significant independence under the direction of the PI or designee.
Maintain accurate records and, with approval, modify protocols.
Review literature, publications, and grants relevant to assigned projects.
Record results according to established laboratory, sponsor, and university protocols.
Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook according to laboratory practice.
Compile and analyze data and present it in a publication-suitable format according to PI specifications.
Present findings at laboratory or group meetings and other forums.
May oversee laboratory supply levels, place orders, and negotiate with suppliers to optimize resources.
Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and maintenance.
Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, and related materials.
Assist with and comply with safety regulations and infection-control standards.
Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, and radiation-safety protocols; may write standard operating procedures in compliance with protocols and applicable regulations.
Comply with applicable state, federal, university, and sponsor policies and agreements.
May manage general laboratory operations, including personnel, procedures, and projects.
Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, and implement appropriate solutions.
May create new protocols and/or modify defined protocols as necessary and with PI approval.
Prioritize and perform several tasks or procedures simultaneously with attention to detail.
Perform duties and experiments independently.
Provide training to new laboratory personnel.
May monitor laboratory spending according to budget guidelines provided by the PI or designee.
May assist with budget and operational aspects of grant and contract funding.
May assist with drafting manuscript sections.
Perform other duties as required.