Research Associate - Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Van Leeuwen lab at UMass Chan Medical School is seeking a Research Associate to join their team. The lab studies how mutations interact to produce unexpected phenotypes, focusing on suppression interactions where the harmful effects of a primary mutation are rescued by a suppressor mutation. This research is relevant to identifying new therapeutic targets for human diseases. The research utilizes high-throughput genetic screens with robotics in yeast and CRISPR-Cas9 gRNA libraries in cultured human cells. The Research Associate will contribute directly to research, assist in training other lab members, and provide general support to the lab. The lab fosters a supportive working environment based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and collaboration, valuing careful, detail-oriented work and high-quality data.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience (RA I).
Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols (RA I).
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products (RA I).
Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner (RA I).
Ability to work in a team environment (RA I).
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 (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 (RA III).

Nice To Haves

Experience with high-throughput genetic screens.
Experience with robotics.
Experience with yeast genetics.
Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 gRNA libraries.
Experience with cultured human cells.
Experience with genetic screens.
Experience with suppression interactions.
Experience with identifying therapeutic targets.
Experience with data analysis and presentation for publication.
Experience with laboratory management.
Experience with budget management.
Experience with grant and contract funding.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project (RA I).
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 (RA II).
May assist with drafting manuscript sessions (RA II).
Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects (RA III).
Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations (RA III).
Compile and analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications (RA III).
May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as needed; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources (RA III).
Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment (RA III).
May manage general operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects (RA III).
May create new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI (RA III).
Prioritize and perform several tasks or procedures simultaneously with attention to detail (RA III).
Perform duties and experiments with independence (RA III).
Provide training of new lab personnel (RA III).
May monitor laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee (RA III).
May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding (RA III).