Research Associate - Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

About The Position

An open rank Research Assistant position is available in the Maldonado-Contreras’ Lab for a highly motivated individual with a science background and research experience. The Maldonado-Contreras’ Lab is embedded in the vibrant research environment of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and is highly collaborative with other labs within and external to UMass Chan. We are a microbiome research laboratory that uses a variety of next-generation sequencing, molecular, and cell biology approaches to understand how diet affects the microbiome and to identify the mechanism by which diet-dependent changes of the microbiome trigger inflammation. We carry out nutritional intervention trials in patients to later validate relevant diet components or specific members of the microbiome as therapeutics both in vitro and in vivo. Our projects span a wide spectrum from parent-to-newborn microbiome inheritance to adult patients with chronic diseases exhibiting an altered microbiome/immune response to it. We strive for diversity in science by training scientists from different backgrounds and by including underrepresented members of our community in research; thus, our findings can be widely applicable to our diverse community. More information about the lab at: https://www.umassmed.edu/maldonado-contreraslab/ This is an open-rank posting (there are 4 levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.

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.

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.