Research Associate - Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School•Worcester, MA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory and performs research experiments as defined by the PI. This is an open-rank posting with four Research Associate levels; candidates are hired at the level commensurate with their experience. The position is in the UMass Chan Flow Cytometry Core Facility. The Research Associate provides high-quality flow-cytometry services to support investigators across the UMMS research community and develops and maintains proficiency with fluorescent cell-sorting and analysis platforms. The role also includes laboratory operations and, depending on level, increasing responsibility for experimental design, data analysis, protocol development, personnel training, lab management, and research-program support. On-the-job training is provided, and career development activities are encouraged. The successful candidate works with minimal supervision and with a wide range of researchers in a service-oriented environment, both independently and as part of a team. The position may involve scheduled or unscheduled instrument maintenance, quality control, troubleshooting, data backup, and interaction with vendor service personnel.

Requirements

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: 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or no experience required with a related Master’s degree.
Research Associate III: 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: 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.
Fluency in verbal and written English.
Ability to work well with minimal supervision and with a wide variety of researchers.

Nice To Haves

Strong interpersonal and social skills, including listening, teaching, and communication.
Good problem-solving and organizational skills.
Hands-on mechanical aptitude and a “can do” attitude.
Comfort working both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Perform research experiments and laboratory procedures as defined by the PI or designee.
Provide high-quality flow-cytometry services to researchers in the UMMS research community.
Develop and maintain proficiency with fluorescent cell-sorting and analysis platforms.
Use software relevant to experiments and equipment; analyze and interpret data, draw conclusions, and identify next steps at a level of independence appropriate to the position.
Maintain accurate research records and detailed lab notebooks, review relevant literature, and present findings at lab or group meetings.
Prepare and label buffers, media, and solutions; monitor or maintain laboratory supplies and place orders as assigned.
Assist with laboratory safety, infection-control, and applicable institutional, sponsor, state, and federal requirements.
Support the identification and resolution of laboratory problems and challenges.
Draft, develop, or modify laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures as appropriate to the position and with PI approval where required.
Assist with or provide training for laboratory personnel; at higher levels, mentor personnel and direct research support staff.
At higher levels, manage laboratory equipment service contracts and maintenance, laboratory operations, personnel, procedures, projects, and spending.
At higher levels, contribute to manuscripts, grants, budgets, and operational aspects of grant and contract proposals.
Perform scheduled and unscheduled instrument maintenance, including data backup.
Perform daily quality control and monitor instrument performance.
Troubleshoot instruments, associated software, and peripherals.
Contact and interact with vendor service and field service engineers as needed.
Perform other duties as required.