Research Associate - Open Rank

UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA, seeks an experienced Research Associate to support laboratory operations under the PI. This open-rank posting covers RA I–IV; hires will be placed at level commensurate with experience, with responsibilities spanning experimental design, data analysis, SOP drafting, and inventory management.

Candidates bilingual in English/Spanish encouraged; familiarity with IACUC, IRB, EHS protocols, and compliance requirements is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Natural Science or equivalent experience.
• Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols.
• Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project.
• Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used.
• Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps under the direction of the PI or designee.
• Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee.
• Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Laboratory safety basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological or Natural Science

Master's degree in related field

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

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

Research Associate II

Duties noted above plus:

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

Research Associate III

Duties noted above plus:

• Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects.
• Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
• Compile and analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications.
• May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as needed; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources.
• Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• May manage general operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
• May create 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.
• Provide training of new lab personnel.
• May monitor laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
• May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding.

Research Associate IV

Duties noted above plus:

• 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.
• Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments.
• Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence.
• Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
• Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Monitor and enforce all safety regulations 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
• 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
• 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

Research Associate I

• Bachelors degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience
• Basic understanding of lab 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

Requirements noted for RA I plus:

• 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

Requirements noted for RA I plus:

• 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

Requirements noted for RA I plus:

• 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.

This position includes work on one or more NIH-sponsored research studies. The RA will support on projects relating to 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 working closely with research and community partners at other institutions. Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish are especially encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with database development and management
• Comfortable interfacing with families, caregivers, and professionals in the context of recruitment and data collection
• Demonstrated organizational skills and independent problem solving
• Interest in developmental disabilities and health equity
• Bilingual in English/Spanish

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center Is Dedicated To Understanding And Improving The Challenges Faced By Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) And/or Behavioral Health Disorders And To Supporting Their Families. The Shriver Centers Comprehensive Experience And Expertise Have Established It As An International Leader, Devoted To Supporting The Full Participation Of People With Disabilities In Community Life Through

• Conducting research
• Delivering unique and innovative educational programs
• Developing leaders who will shape future research, training, and services in the disability field
• Offering programs and services that are inclusive, person- and family-centered, culturally competent, evidence-based, and responsive to community needs; and
• Partnering with local and national agencies and organizations.

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