Research Associate 1 MS, Genetics

Yale Cancer Center; New Haven, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 92,000; Part time

Job summary

Yale Cancer Center in New Haven, CT, is seeking a part-time M&P for the Sun Lab in the Department of Genetics. The role supports microscope operations, imaging data management, zebrafish care, and general lab coordination for a fixed-term, 20 hours per week.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in a scientific discipline and has hands-on experience with microscopy, zebrafish husbandry, and SOP/compliance practices in regulated research settings.

Qualifications

• Must have strong organizational and communication skills, with ability to mentor/train others and work both independently and in a team.
• Knowledge of microscopes, imaging workstations, data storage systems, and ability to coordinate service as needed.
• Experience with zebrafish husbandry, line maintenance, and related records in a research setting.
• Ability to maintain lab space, manage shared equipment, inventory, and routine care.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to document work and ensure compliance with SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement procedures and protocols under supervision.
• Contribute to planning and interpretation of research results.
• Ensure data results are properly compiled, analyzed, and presented.
• Prepare scientific reports for proposals and publications.
• Provide independent research and laboratory technique execution.
• Collaborate with PI, staff, and external contacts to ensure safe lab operation.
• Coordinate with institutional offices to support safety and SOP compliance.
• May take on additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational & communication skills

Microscopy & imaging systems

Zebrafish husbandry

Lab operations & inventory management

Troubleshooting

Education

Master's degree in a scientific discipline

Job description

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

This is a part-time M&P (20 hours) fixed duration (one-year from hire date) position in the Sun Lab in the Department of Genetics.

• Microscope/instrument operations: Manage and maintain microscopy systems, including scheduling and user access, routine performance checks, and troubleshooting to keep instruments fully operational. Serve as the primary liaison with vendors for software updates, service calls, and user training.
• Research data management: Oversee imaging and experimental data organization, storage, backup, and retention in accordance with Yale, grant, and institutional requirements. Implement and maintain file-naming conventions, metadata standards, and access controls as appropriate.
• Lab operations and facilities: Coordinate day-to-day laboratory operations, including maintaining shared spaces, ordering and stocking supplies, and ensuring common equipment is functioning, calibrated, and service records are up to date.
• Zebrafish husbandry: Manage daily feeding and care of zebrafish and maintain fish lines and associated records, ensuring the zebrafish facility remains clean, organized, and operational.
• Project support: Provide experimental and technical support to ongoing research projects as requested and directed by the Principal Investigator (PI), including assistance with planning, execution, and documentation.
• Training and onboarding: Train and onboard new lab members on laboratory procedures, equipment use (including microscopy), zebrafish practices, and data management workflows.
• Protocols, SOPs, and compliance: Maintain and update lab protocols and SOPs. Coordinate with relevant Yale offices and programs (e.g., facilities, YARC, IACUC, EHS) to ensure ongoing compliance with safety, biosafety, and animal care requirements.
• Team collaboration: Work closely with lab members to support a collaborative, organized, and productive research environment; communicate proactively about schedules, resources, and operational needs.
• Shipping/receiving: Coordinate shipping and receiving of biological and biochemical materials, ensuring proper packaging, labeling, documentation, and compliance with applicable regulations and institutional procedures.
• Other duties: Perform additional related duties as assigned to support laboratory and research priorities.

Required Skills and Abilities

• 1. Highly organized with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Demonstrated mentoring/training ability and a proactive, initiative-taking approach to solving problems and supporting lab operations.
• 2. Working knowledge of microscopes, imaging workstations, and data storage systems. Ability to perform routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and coordinate service as needed to keep instruments and devices in reliable working order.
• 3. Working knowledge of zebrafish/aquarium operations, including system upkeep, water quality monitoring, feeding, breeding, and line maintenance. Familiar with genotyping workflows and chemical genetic screening support in a research setting.
• 4. Demonstrated ability to maintain laboratory space and shared equipment, including organizing common areas, managing inventory and supplies, and coordinating routine equipment care to ensure safe, efficient day-to-day lab function.
• 5. Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to perform technical procedures accurately and safely in accordance with established policies, protocols, and SOPs. Consistently documents work, communicates issues promptly, and follows compliance requirements.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• 1. Advanced Education: Master's degree or higher in a related scientific discipline with additional training or certifications in relevant fields.
• 2. Proven experience with microscopy core operations and vendor coordination: Hands-on experience maintaining and troubleshooting microscopy systems and imaging workstations, including scheduling/user support, coordinating service calls, and managing software updates/training with vendors.
• 3. Demonstrated compliance and zebrafish husbandry experience: Familiarity working in regulated research environments, including maintaining zebrafish lines and records, and coordinating with institutional partners (e.g., IACUC/YARC/EHS) to support animal care, safety, and SOP/protocol compliance.

Principal Responsibilities

• 1. Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority.
• 2. Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning.
• 3. Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly.
• 4. Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports.
• 5. Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning.
• 6. Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory.
• 7. Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments.
• 8. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

09/14/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Clinical & Research

Compensation Grade Profile

Research Associate 1 MS (22)

Salary Range

$61,500.00 - $91,875.00

Time Type

Part time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks basedon the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties throughtheir hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.