Senior Research Associate

University of New England; Maine; On-site; USD 67,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University of New England seeks a Senior Research Associate to lead protein-analytical and neurobiological research in the Molliver lab. You will design and supervise protein-based studies, train students and staff, and assist with data analysis and manuscript preparation.

The role involves protocol development, collaborations with UNE investigators, and contributing to grants and publications while ensuring safety compliance within lab operations.

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in life sciences with relevant research experience.
• Experience with subcellular fractionation, protein separation and gels.
• Proven ability to train students and staff.
• Experience designing and interpreting biochemical experiments.

Responsibilities

• Lead protein-based research in the Molliver lab and supervise staff.
• Prepare samples, analyze data, generate figures, and help with grants/publications.
• Develop and optimize protocols for biochemical analysis using various tools.
• Provide proteomics and pathway analysis insights for datasets.

Skills

Protein analysis

Cell culture

Subcellular fractionation

1D/2D gels

Western blotting

ELISA

qPCR

Transfection

Mass spectrometry prep

Data interpretation

Education

Masters or PhD in life sciences

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Proteomics software

Affinity purification

Excel

Job description

The Senior Research Associate will play an important role in developing and expanding protein-analytical and neurobiological research in the Molliver lab at the University of New England. This position requires experience with a wide range of protein biochemical approaches using tissue and cell culture models, the ability to apply these approaches to new scientific questions and research projects in a collaborative environment, and to assist with training of students and staff in the lab. This person will perform or oversee all protein-based research in the Molliver lab, and will assist other lab members in the design, implementation and interpretation of biochemical approaches.

About the University of New England

UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one‑of‑a‑kind study‑abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands‑on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.

Benefits Overview

• Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
• Up to 8% retirement plan match.
• Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.

• Educational benefits

  • UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners.
  • UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full‑time service.
  • 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full‑time service.
• Effectively provide scientific support and expertise for protocol design and implementation, including a range of sample preparation (subcellular fractionation, detergent and buffer selection, affinity chromatography approaches, etc) and analytical approaches (1D and 2D PAGE , gel stains and westerns, immunocytochemistry, etc).
• Manage an innovative, collaborative protein analytical research program in the laboratory of Dr. Molliver and assist in the management of staff.
• Prepare samples, analyze data, generate figures and assist with laboratory preparation of grant proposals and publications.
• Develop and optimize protocols for protein biochemical analysis and functional approaches using a variety of tools (cell and plate‑based assays including ELISA , FLIPR , high content imaging and fluorescence microscopy).
• Provide training and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students to expand educational research opportunities for protein‑based research at UNE.
• Provide expertise in the use of proteomics and pathway analysis software tools to analyze and mine published and in‑house datasets.
• Effective oral and written communication on project and administrative issues.
• Maintain meticulous notes and documentation.
• Work collaboratively with other UNE Principal Investigators and laboratory staff to further ongoing research programs.
• Present research findings to the scientific community at UNE, at national/international research conferences and as an author on publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Understand and comply with the University of New England Safety Manual and regulations of the UNE Institutional Biosafety Committee and the UNE Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

Qualifications

Masters or doctorate in a life sciences discipline as well as relevant research experience. Experience with the preparation of manuscripts for publication is preferred. Experience with a wide range of technical approaches is required, including subcellular fractionation, protein separation and analytical approaches such as 1D and 2D gels, stains and westerns, ELISAs, affinity purification techniques, sample preparation for mass spectrometry, cell culture and transfection, mRNA isolation and qPCR analysis, basic recombinant DNA and cloning techniques. Required computer skills include use of Microsoft Office, statistics and graphing packages; desired skills include familiarity with web‑based analytical tools for basic bioinformatics and pathway analysis.

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.

Additional Note

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extension.

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $67,100 - $68,000

Open Date

Open Date 09/15/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

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