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Research Associate - Open Rank
Job Number: 2024-45441
Category: Research
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift: Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School
Department: School - Gene Therapy Center - W405200
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Grade: 42
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Nov. 1, 2024

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.

This is an open-rank posting (we are looking for levels Research Associate III and Research Associate IV) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.

 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Research Associate I:

  • 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.

 

Research Associate II:

Duties noted above plus:

  • May assist with the training of new lab personnel.
  • Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
  • May assist with drafting manuscript sessions.

 

Research Associate III:

Duties noted above plus:

  • Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects.
  • Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
  • Compile and analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications.
  • May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as needed; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources.
  • Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
  • 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.
  • Provide training of new lab personnel.
  • May monitor laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
  • May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding.

Research Associate IV:

Duties noted above plus:

  • This position will contribute significantly to the management of the research program and will be involved in multiple aspects of the research projects and lab maintenance activities.
  • Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments.
  • Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence.
  • Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
  • Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment.
  • Monitor and enforce all safety regulations and infection control standards.
  • Identify and write standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
  • Train on IACUC, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
  • Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
  • Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
  • 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.
  • Assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals.
  • Negotiate with vendors to optimize available resources.
  • Contribute independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants.
  • Direct the activities of research support staff.
  • Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Research Associate I

  • Bachelors 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.

 

Research Associate II

  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 0 years with a related Masters Degree.

Research Associate III

  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Masters Degree

Research Associate IV

  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Masters degree.

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