Research Associate - Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

22d

About The Position

The Research Associate provides operational support to a laboratory under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee and performs research experiments. This is an open-rank position with four levels; candidates are hired at a level commensurate with their experience. The role supports NIH-sponsored studies involving early development and early identification of children with developmental disabilities, health systems and service access, and implementation of best practices in community settings. Projects involve cross-site collaboration and work with research and community partners at other institutions. Responsibilities and independence vary by level. Across the levels, the role may include performing experiments, analyzing and presenting data, maintaining records and protocols, managing laboratory supplies and equipment, supporting laboratory safety and operations, and training personnel. At higher levels, the Research Associate may independently design and perform complex experiments, manage laboratory personnel and operations, oversee spending, contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals, and direct research support staff. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center works to understand and improve challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and/or behavioral health disorders, and to support their families. Its work includes research, educational programs, leadership development, inclusive and evidence-based programs and services, and partnerships with local and national agencies and organizations.

Requirements

Research Associate I: Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience.
Basic understanding of laboratory 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.
Research Associate II: Research Associate I requirements, plus 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or no experience requirement with a related Master’s degree.
Research Associate III: Research Associate I requirements, plus 3 or more years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or 1 year of relevant research experience with a related Master’s degree.
Research Associate IV: Research Associate I requirements, plus 5 or more years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or 3 or more years of relevant research experience with a related Master’s degree.
Comply with applicable laboratory safety, infection-control, institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements relevant to assigned duties.

Nice To Haves

Experience with database development and management.
Comfort interfacing with families, caregivers, and professionals during recruitment and data collection.
Demonstrated organizational skills and independent problem solving.
Interest in developmental disabilities and health equity.
Bilingual in English and Spanish; bilingual candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory experiments, including complex experiments at higher levels, and support one or more research projects.
Use software relevant to experiments and equipment.
Interpret data, draw conclusions, and determine next steps under PI direction or with greater independence at higher levels.
Maintain accurate research records and detailed laboratory notebooks; record results according to laboratory, sponsor, and university protocols.
Review relevant literature, publications, and grants.
Assist with or perform data analysis and mathematical computations; compile and present data in publication-suitable formats according to PI specifications.
Present findings at laboratory and group meetings.
Monitor, maintain, and order laboratory supplies; negotiate with suppliers or vendors at higher levels.
Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, and related materials.
Follow safety regulations and infection-control standards; support or enforce compliance depending on level.
Train on or comply with IACUC, IRB, EHS, and radiation-safety protocols as applicable to the level.
Comply with applicable state, federal, university, and sponsor policies and agreements.
Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, and implement solutions, with increasing independence by level.
Draft, identify, develop, or modify laboratory standard operating procedures and protocols with PI approval where required.
Train or mentor laboratory personnel and assist with onboarding new lab staff, depending on level.
Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate or monitor equipment maintenance at higher levels.
Manage laboratory operations, including personnel, procedures, and projects, at higher levels.
Monitor laboratory spending and assist with budget and operational aspects of grant and contract funding or proposals at higher levels.
Contribute to writing manuscript and grant sections, with greater independence at higher levels.
Direct the activities of research support staff at the Research Associate IV level.
Perform other duties as required.