Research Associate III - University of Massachusetts Medical School

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate III performs a variety of research experiments with independence. This position may provide general operational management to the lab and its personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects
• Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used
• Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps with a significant degree of independence while 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
• 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
• May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as noted; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources
• Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment
• 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; may write standard operation procedures in compliance to protocols and specific regulations for the lab
• Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements
• May manage general operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures and projects
• Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions
• 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 budgets guidelines provided by PI or designee
• May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding
• May assist with drafting manuscripts sections
• Perform other duties as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science and 3+ years of relevant research experience or a related Master’s degree with 1 year 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