Research Associate - Open Rank

UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking motivated individuals for Research Associate positions at various levels. This role involves conducting laboratory experiments in a collaborative environment focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease. Candidates will engage in hands-on techniques such as PCR, flow cytometry, and cell culture, while also contributing to data analysis and lab management. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in biological sciences and a passion for research, making a significant impact in the field of immunology and molecular biology. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and improving health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biological or Natural Science required.
• Experience in laboratory settings and familiarity with lab protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments and maintain accurate records.
• Assist with data analysis and present findings at lab meetings.

Skills

Laboratory Techniques

Data Analysis

Team Collaboration

Microsoft Office

Molecular Biology

Cell Culture

PCR

Flow Cytometry

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Natural Science

Master's Degree in Biological or Natural Science

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Data Analysis Software

Job description

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate will perform research experiments as defined by the PI.

This is an open-rank posting (there are 4 levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.

Essential Functions

Research Associate I:

1. Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project.
2. Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used.
3. Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps under the direction of the PI or designee.
4. Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee.
5. Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects.
6. Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol.
7. Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
8. Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice.
9. Present findings at lab/group meetings.
10. Monitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
11. Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
12. Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards.
13. Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols.
14. Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements.
15. Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
16. Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
17. Perform other duties as required.

Research Associate II

Duties noted above plus:

1. May assist with the training of new lab personnel.
2. Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
3. May assist with drafting manuscript sessions.

Research Associate III

Duties noted above plus:

1. Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects.
2. Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
3. Compile and analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications.
4. May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as needed; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources.
5. Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
6. May manage general operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
7. May create new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI.
8. Prioritize and perform several tasks or procedures simultaneously with attention to detail.
9. Perform duties and experiments with independence.
10. Provide training of new lab personnel.
11. May monitor laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
12. May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding.

Research Associate IV

Duties noted above plus:

1. 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.
2. Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments.
3. Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence.
4. Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
5. Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment.
6. Monitor and enforce all safety regulations and infection control standards.
7. Identify and write standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
8. Train on IACUC, EHS, Radiation safety protocols.
9. Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
10. Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
11. Develop and implement new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI.
12. Mentor and train lab personnel on proper lab conduct and techniques.
13. Manage laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
14. Assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals.
15. Negotiate with vendors to optimize available resources.
16. Contribute independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants.
17. Direct the activities of research support staff.
18. Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Research Associate I

1. Bachelors degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience.
2. Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols.
3. Knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
4. Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner.
5. Ability to work in a team environment.

Research Associate II

1. Requirements noted for RA I plus:
2. 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 0 years with a related Masters Degree.

Research Associate III

1. Requirements noted for RA I plus:
2. 3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Masters Degree.

Research Associate IV

1. Requirements noted for RA I plus:
2. 5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Masters degree.

The Department of Pathology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, invites applications for Research position at the Research Associate level I - IV.

We are seeking motivated individuals with a BA/BS degree in Biological or Life Sciences. The ideal candidate will have a background in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Cell Biology, with experience working in a laboratory setting. We are looking for individuals with scientific enthusiasm, strong organizational skills, and a keen interest in experimentation into the molecular mechanisms of disease and health. Ongoing research areas include how the T cell immune system recognizes and responds to cancers and virally infected cells, and how the innate immune system recognizes cell death and irritant particles to cause sterile inflammation and disease.

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will perform a variety of experimental techniques, including specimen preparation, cell culture, molecular cloning, PCR, immune assays, and flow cytometry, while assisting with data collection, analysis, and presentation for lab meetings and reports. Experimentation will include working with mice. In addition to experimentation, duties will include laboratory maintenance tasks, such as inventory management, ordering supplies, protocol submissions, and maintaining equipment.

Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining research experience, career goals, and interest in the position, along with a curriculum vitae and contact information for three references.

Expected start date will be May - June, 2025.

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