Research Associate - Open Rank- Ruscetti Lab

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

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. Summary of Position We currently have an opening for a Research Associate to join the expanding laboratory of Marcus Ruscetti, Ph.D. at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical Center. The Ruscetti lab is studying how solid tumors, and in particular prostate and pancreatic cancers, escape the immune detection, and designing new strategies to activate our own immune system to eradicate cancer. Our lab uses innovative mouse modeling approaches, combined with genome editing, screening, and sequencing technologies, to dissect and manipulate tumor suppressor pathways, to elucidate tumor-immune interactions, and to evaluate new drug combinations for treating aggressive solid tumors. We are a highly collaborative and inclusive group. This position offers opportunities for career development, including possibly designing and executing independent experiments which could lead to publication.

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.
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
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.
Bachelor's Degree in Biology or a related scientific discipline
Prior experience in a research laboratory setting
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to perform complex tasks effectively and independently with general instruction
Ability to work in a team-focused environment
Excellent communication and computer skills

Nice To Haves

Mouse experience is highly desired but not required

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.
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.
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.
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 a variety of laboratory experiments using both routine and specialized techniques, including:
Mouse colony management, breeding, and genotyping
Mouse experiments, including surgical procedures, imaging, drug dosing, and organ harvesting
Routine histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence
Flow cytometry analysis
Molecular biology procedures such as DNA purification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting
Cell and organoid culture work
Work collaboratively to assist Postdoctoral fellows and graduate students with research projects
Collect, record, and analyze data
Assist in the training of others
Write and provide input to improve current procedures, protocols, and/or methods
Prepares laboratory reagents, buffers, media, and other general lab stocks
Assist with lab organizational tasks, including lab supply ordering and purchasing