Research Associate - Stem Cell Differentiation Specialist - Open Rank - University of Massachusetts Medical School

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Stem Cell Differentiation Research Associate IV provides operational support to the laboratory. Join the UMass Chan Diabetes Center of Excellence (part of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s New England Center of Excellence) to engage in cutting edge science, using a stem cell-based approach, to develop a cure for type 1 diabetes. The science is at the intersection of stem cell biology, diabetes, and regenerative biology. This member will be part of a team of 2-5 research staff, responsible for the specialized production of human islet cells from stem cells. This position requires weekend work and the work schedule to be frequently changing.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION SPECIALIST

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for daily cultures of human pluripotent stem cells including maintenance, expansion, and differentiation to various lineages.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, and strong communication skills are required.
• 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 IRB, EHS 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 (SOPs) in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
• Identify and report potential problems with SOPs
• Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on and plan the next experiments to be done appropriate independence under the supervision of a mentor
• Accurately follow standard operating procedures, schedule work, analyze data, maintain accurate records, and write reports
• May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals
• Assist in writing the text of scientific publications and grants. Review literature
• Comply with all safety and infection control standards
• Perform other duties as required.

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RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION SPECIALIST

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Draft standard operation procedures (SOPs) in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
• Identify and report potential problems with SOPs, and offer suggestions for improvement
• Perform quantitative and qualitative assessments of islet differentiation using assays that include flow cytometry and physiological tests for beta cell function such as glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), ELISAs and HTRF assays.
• Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on and plan the next experiments with considerable independence
• Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions
• Assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals
• With appropriate timeliness, order necessary supplies and maintain required equipment

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RESEARCH ASSOCIATE III STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION SPECIALIST

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects
• Regularly review and update SOPs, for supervisor comment and approval
• Perform quantitative and qualitative assessments of islet differentiation including immunohistochemistry, gene expression by qPCR or 10x scRNA-Seq, flow cytometry and physiological tests for beta cell function such as glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), ELISAs and HTRF assays
• Help develop protocols for differentiation of genetically modified stem cells to various lineages.
• Able to work independently in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, and strong communication skills are required.
• Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a significant degree of independence while under the direction of the PI or designee
• Prepare differentiation facility review materials for grant reports and manuscripts. Review literature
• Train and oversee more junior Stem Cell Differentiation Specialist colleagues
• Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations
• 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
• Oversee laboratory supply levels and order as noted; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources
• Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment
• Train in IRB and EHS protocols; may write standard operation procedures in compliance to protocols and specific regulations for the lab
• 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
• 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

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RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IV STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION SPECIALIST

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manage Stem Cell Differentiation Research Associates team: scheduling, training, projects, and quality metrics
• Maintain current and ever improving SOPs
• In addition to functions fulfilled by Research Associate Levels I, II, and III, help with the generation of genetically modified stem cell lines.
• Review, edit, and/or prepare final differentiation facility review materials for grant reports and manuscripts. Review literature
• Ensure equipment and supplies are maintained for uninterrupted facility function, e.g., manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments
• Identify and utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used
• Maintain accurate records, and record results according to established lab, sponsor, and University protocol
• Interpret data, perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence
• Monitor and enforce all safety regulation and infection control standards
• Identify and write standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
• Train on IACUC, EHS protocols
• 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
• Negotiate with vendors to optimize available resources
• Contribute independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION SPECIALIST REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors’ degree in the Biological or Natural Sciences or equivalent
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems
• Flow cytometry experience preferred.
• Previous experience with cell cultures and sterile laboratory technique preferred.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION SPECIALIST REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 18 months of relevant research experience
• Previous experience with cell cultures and sterile laboratory technique.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE III STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION SPECIALIST REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors’ degree in the Biological or Natural Sciences or equivalent and 3 years of relevant research experience, or Masters’ degree with 1 year of relevant research experience
• Flow cytometry experience

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IV STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION SPECIALIST REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors’ degree in the Biological or Natural Sciences or equivalent and 5+ years of relevant research experience, or Masters’ degree with 3+ years of relevant research experience.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator or designee

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SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May functionally supervise aides, technicians, and Associates

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ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Usual office and laboratory environment

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As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Chan recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.