Research Associate IV

UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester seeks a Research Associate IV to design and perform complex experiments with independence. The role supports project management, lab operations, and collaboration across clinical cohorts and mechanistic studies in microbiome and host physiology.

The candidate will contribute to manuscripts and grant writing, supervise staff, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Natural Science with 5+ years of relevant research, or a related Master's with 3+ years.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data handling tools.
• Strong ability to analyze complex visual data quantitatively.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and perform multiple complex lab experiments.
• Maintain accurate records and adhere to lab and sponsor protocols.
• Interpret data, draw conclusions, and decide next steps.
• Mentor lab personnel and supervise assistants.
• Develop and implement new lab protocols and SOPs with PI approval.
• Manage lab operations, inventory, and budgets.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological or Natural Science

Master's degree with 3+ years relevant experience

Tools

Flow cytometry

ELISA

Cytokine analysis

16S rRNA sequencing

Shotgun metagenomics

Sequencing library prep

Job description

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate IV designs and performs a variety of complex research experiments with a high degree of independence. 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.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate IV designs and performs a variety of complex research experiments with a high degree of independence. 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. The Bucci Lab conducts research at the intersection of microbiome ecology and host physiology, integrating microbiology, immunology, animal models, and computational approaches to investigate interactions between the microbiome and the host. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to a collaborative research environment spanning clinical cohorts and mechanistic studies, with a combination of laboratory operations and hands‑on experimental research.

Essential Functions

• Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments
• Identify and utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used
• Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence
• Maintain accurate records, and record results according to established lab, sponsor and University protocol
• Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects
• Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol
• Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice
• Compile and analyze data, and present in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications
• Present findings at lab/group meetings and other forums
• Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted
• Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
• Monitor and enforce all safety regulation 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
• Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements
• 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
• Prioritize and perform several tasks or procedures simultaneously with attention to detail
• Perform duties and experiments with independence
• 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
• Perform other duties as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biological or Natural Science and 5+ years of relevant research experience or a related Masters degree with 3+ years of relevant research experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Ability to work in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with anaerobic microbiology, including cultivation of obligate anaerobes.
• Experience working with mouse models in microbiome or immunology research; gnotobiotic mouse experience is a plus.
• Experience with immunological techniques, such as multiparameter flow cytometry, ELISA, or cytokine analysis.
• Familiarity with microbiome research methods, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, or sequencing library preparation.
• Experience with laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and coordination of day‑to‑day laboratory operations.
• Experience maintaining laboratory records, developing standard operating procedures, or supporting regulatory and laboratory safety requirements.

The Bucci Lab brings together researchers working in microbiome ecology, mucosal immunology, and host physiology. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a multidisciplinary research program involving microbiology, immunology, and animal models while helping maintain an organized and collaborative laboratory environment.

Supervision Received

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

Supervision Exercised

Supervise aides, technicians, and associates

Environmental Working Conditions

Wet chemistry laboratory, and may require appropriate contact with biohazards, radionuclides, toxins, animals, and human specimens

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.