Research Associate - Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

2d•$40,000 - $73,000•Onsite

About The Position

This is an open-rank posting for a Research Associate position, with four levels of advancement. Candidates will be hired into a level commensurate with their experience. The Keeler lab, within the department of genetic and cellular therapy, focuses on characterizing and modulating immune responses to gene therapy. The lab is developing CAR Treg-based therapies for neurological and hepatic disorders and assessing immune responses to gene editing-based therapeutics delivered via AAV or LNPs. The ideal candidate will have a background in gene editing, immunology, virology, or biochemistry, an interest in a career in medical sciences, and experience working in a laboratory setting, including animal handling or a willingness to learn. Daily experimental work will involve working with animals and human samples, molecular cloning, and the generation of LNPs and CAR Tregs. This position is 100% grant-funded, and employment is subject to funding availability.

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.

Nice To Haves

Background in gene editing, immunology, virology, or biochemistry
Interest in a career in medical sciences
Experience working in a previous laboratory setting
Animal handling experience or willingness to learn

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.
May assist with the training of new lab personnel.
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.
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.
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.
Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
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 other duties as required.