Research Associate I - $2,000 sign-on bonus - University of Massachusetts Medical School

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Department of Pathology at UMass Chan Medical School located in Worcester, Massachusetts, invites applications for Research positions at the Research Technician or Research Associate level. We are seeking individuals with a BA/BS in a Biological/Life Sciences. The ideal candidate would have a background in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology and/ or Biochemistry; experience working in a laboratory and with techniques in these areas is preferred but not required. We are looking for individuals with scientific curiosity, a strong work ethic and an interest in the immunological basis of health and disease. Specific research areas currently include, but are not limited to, development of immune cells and gene regulation; innate immunity, immunity to pathogens; and skin/mucosal immunology. These positions are an excellent opportunity for those applicants who have an overall interest in medical sciences and future interest in attending a graduate/medical school.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigators or designee, the Research Associate, performs a variety of specimen preparatory techniques, dry lab data collection, and high throughput assay optimization and utilization.

This individual will work closely with the laboratory Principle Investigators and senior scientists in conducting original biomedical research in the field of immunology. In addition to experimentation, the Technician’s duties will include managing laboratory supplies (inventorying stock, placing orders, and verifying receipt), assisting with equipment maintenance, and attending and participating in group and project meetings.

The applicant should be highly motivated to learn and contribute to research progress, with strong communication skill. Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or a related field is required. Experience as a research technician with cell culture and/or basic molecular biology techniques including cloning and PCR are preferred but not required. This is an ideal position for students applying to graduate or medical school programs in 2-3 years as the position includes opportunity and time allocated, if desired by the candidate, to participate in graduate level coursework. Alternatively, the skill set acquired in an academic setting will also provide opportunities for industry positions.

Applicants should send a cover letter outlining experience and career goals, curriculum vitae, and contact information for references.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s 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

  DESIRED SKILL SET AND EXPERIENCE:

• Judgment and action skills required to solve basic problems in experiments
• Strong communication skill
• Laboratory experience in biochemistry, molecular biology and/or immunology
• Experience with or willingness to work with animal models a plus
• Experience with high throughput screening a plus, but not required
• Work synergistically in a group setting
• Motivated and demonstrate ability to work independently and problem-solve
• Perform a variety of laboratory experiments using both routine and special techniques and methods
• Assist in more complex laboratory tasks, possibly involving small animal models
• Collect, analyze, and process laboratory samples
• Record results, organize data, and perform basic computations