Research Associate Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

This is an open-rank posting for a Research Associate to join the laboratory of Marcus Ruscetti, Ph.D. at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical Center. The Ruscetti lab studies how solid tumors, particularly prostate and pancreatic cancers, evade immune detection and designs strategies to activate the immune system to eradicate cancer. The lab utilizes innovative mouse modeling, genome editing, screening, and sequencing technologies to dissect tumor suppressor pathways, elucidate tumor-immune interactions, and evaluate new drug combinations for aggressive solid tumors. This position offers opportunities for career development, including the possibility of designing and executing independent experiments that could lead to publication. The role provides operational support to the laboratory and performs research experiments as defined by the Principal Investigator (PI). Candidates will be hired into a level commensurate with their experience, with four levels of Research Associate available.

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).
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 (RA IV).

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 sections (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).
Contribute significantly to the management of the research program and will be involved in multiple aspects of the research projects and lab maintenance activities (RA IV).
Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments (RA IV).
Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence (RA IV).
Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted (RA IV).
Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment (RA IV).
Monitor and enforce all safety regulations and infection control standards (RA IV).
Identify and write standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab (RA IV).
Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects (RA IV).
Develop and implement new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI (RA IV).
Mentor and train lab personnel on proper lab conduct and techniques (RA IV).
Manage laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee (RA IV).
Assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals (RA IV).
Negotiate with vendors to optimize available resources (RA IV).
Contribute independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants (RA IV).
Direct the activities of research support staff (RA IV).
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.