SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate will perform research experiments as defined by the PI.

This is an open-rank posting (there are 4 levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.

The Wu Lab in the Gastroenterology Division at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School is seeking a motivated and talented Research Associate to join our team. Starting in October 2024, our lab focuses on improving cancer treatment through innovative approaches. We investigate how changes in metabolism and epigenetics contribute to cancer development and immune system evasion, with a particular interest in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. We aim to uncover mechanisms allowing cancers to escape immune detection and develop new therapeutic strategies using mouse models, cellular immunology, CRISPR-based functional genomics, and single-cell profiling. More information about our research can be found on our website: https://www.mjwulab.org

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively to assist Postdoctoral fellows and graduate students with research projects.
• Perform a variety of laboratory experiments using both routine and special techniques, including:
• Molecular biology procedures such as DNA purification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting;
• Cell and organoid culture work;
• Mouse colony management, breeding, and genotyping;
• Mouse experiments, including surgical procedures, imaging, drug dosing, and organ harvesting;
• Routine histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence;
• Flow cytometry analysis;
• Collect, record, and analyze data;
• Prepares laboratory reagents, buffers, media, and other general lab stocks;
• Assist with lab organizational tasks, including lab equipment setup and lab supply ordering and purchasing.

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.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have experience in a research laboratory setting, with proficiency in molecular biology and cell culture techniques. Experience with mouse models is highly desired but not required. Candidates should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of performing complex tasks independently with general guidance. Excellent communication and computer skills are essential. This is a full-time/40-hour-per-week position with a competitive salary/fringe benefit. A 2-year minimum commitment is required. This position can be a great transition for students with a bachelors or masters degree who are interested in gaining biomedical research experience before applying to graduate or medical school. Successful candidates will have the chance to design and execute independent experiments, contributing to high-impact publications and advancing their careers in biomedical research.