Research Scientist, Sr - University of Massachusetts Medical School

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under the general direction of the Principle Investigator, the Senior Research Scientist performs a variety of complex research experiments laboratory research on topics pertinent to the interests of the research programs of the laboratory. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implement experiments designed to further ongoing research projects, in consultation with the principal investigator.
• Organize and analyze data acquired in the course of research projects.
• Write manuscripts and grant applications
• Design and implement research projects in the laboratory
• Responsible for data acquisition, data analysis, and presentation of research results. 
• Train and supervise junior lab personnel, ensuring staff is trained in current methodology and safety procedures in the laboratory.
• Prepare and present data for publication in public forums.
• Assist in the preparation of grant applications and other research proposals.
• Provide assistance in the general operation of the laboratory.
• Participate regularly in laboratory meetings.
• Stay current with the literature and regularly leads discussions of new reports pertinent to ongoing and proposed projects
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Biological Science, or equivalent degree
• 7 years of research experience.
• Familiarity with general laboratory procedures.
• Expertise in specific procedures and instrumentation necessary to complete specific research programs.
• Current knowledge of pertinent literature.
• Oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to travel to off-site locations

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the general direction of the Principle Investigator

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises and trains new laboratory personnel and junior members of the laboratory

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Wet chemistry laboratory, and may require appropriate contact with biohazards, radionuclides, toxins, animals, and human specimens. 

The Landers Lab at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (https://www.umassmed.edu/landerslab/) has a Research Scientist, Sr.  open in gene modulation therapy for ALS, Parkinson’s disease and other related neurodegenerative diseases.  These include gene suppression (e.g. antisense oligonucleotides activating RNAse H), gene augmentation (small activating RNAs), and gene editing (e.g. gene editing, base editing, splice modification).  Our explicit goal is to develop novel technologies to advance therapeutics for numerous human diseases rapidly from pre-clinical studies to pilot studies.

Candidates should be creative, highly organized, hard-working, and motivated to respond to changes within the rapidly evolving field of gene therapy. Applicants must also work independently and coordinate multiple projects, concurrently. Strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills are required. We offer excellent training opportunities and a competitive salary depending on experience and track record. If you have any of the above attributes and skill sets, and believe you are a good fit for our research program.

Preferred qualifications:

• Masters or PhD in Neuroscience, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or Related Discipline.
• Skilled in conventional molecular methods such as quantitative methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of gene expression (qPCR, ddPCR, and Western blotting), gene cloning;
• Experience culturing neurogenic cell lines;
• Some experience in culturing and differentiation of human iPSC to neurons is preferred;
• Experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques
• Experience with growing and differentiating iPSC to neurons is preferred
• Experience with developing therapeutic oligonucleic acids; understanding aspects of oligonucleic acid synthesis and purification;
• Experience with transcriptomic approaches including bulk RNA-Seq, scRNA-Seq, RNA isolation and quantitation and bioinformatic analysis of data;
• Ability to compile and analyze data using standard statistical methods.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials via email to Susan Jacobs (susan.jacobs@umassmed.edu) and John Landers (john.landers@umassmed.edu):  a cover letter describing current research activities and your interest in this position, a current CV (including publications), and contact information for three references.