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SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
When you join the UMass Chan Medical School team, you join us in advancing together to improve the health and well-being of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the US and the world. Together, we lead in education, research, health care delivery, and public service. Your life’s work is more than a career. It’s an expression of your passion, intellect, skill, and drive. UMass Chan's commitment to excellence, innovation, competitive benefits, and work-life integration will allow you to build a professionally rewarding career as we work together to better or improve the health of people around the globe.
Category: Research
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift: Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non Exempt
Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School
Department: Neurobiology
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Code: Non Union Position - Non Unit Professional (W60)
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Sept. 4, 2026
Work Location: 100% Onsite
Salary Minimum: USD $40,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum: USD $43,000.00/Yr.
General Summary
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate I provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate I will perform research experiments as defined by the PI.
The Alkema laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology at UMass Chan Medical School is seeking a full-time research technician to support studies of neural circuit function, behavior, and interactions between animals and their microbial environment.
Our laboratory uses C. elegans to investigate the molecular and neural coding of gut-brain communication. The technician will contribute to ongoing projects involving behavioral state transitions, neuromodulator release, gastro-intestinal signaling and host–microbe interaction
Responsibilities may include:
• Maintaining C. elegans strains and bacterial cultures
• Performing genetic crosses and phenotypic analyses
• Conducting molecular biology, cloning, PCR, and genotyping
• Generating transgenic strains and genome-edited lines
• Performing fluorescence microscopy and quantitative behavioral assays
• Preparing samples for biochemical or metabolomic analysis
• Maintaining accurate experimental records and laboratory inventories
• Assisting with general laboratory organization • Working with laboratory members to design, conduct, and analyze experiments
You will receive training in C. elegans genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, imaging, and quantitative behavioral analysis.
Depending on experience and interests, the successful applicant will have opportunities to take responsibility for an independent research project and contribute to publications. This position is well suited to someone seeking additional research experience before applying to graduate or professional school, although applicants interested in a longer-term technical position are also encouraged to apply
Qualifications
- 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
Prefered Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in biology, neuroscience, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or a related field.
- Previous laboratory research experience is preferred.
- Experience with C. elegans, microbiology, fluorescence microscopy, molecular cloning, or quantitative data analysis
The successful candidate should be reliable, enthusiastic, organized, attentive to detail, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative research group.
Applicants should submit:
• A brief cover letter describing their research experience, interests, and career goals
• A curriculum vitae or résumé
• Contact information for two or three references
Please submit a cover letter with your formal application addressed to Dr. Mark Alkema
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is fille
Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list.
Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement).
At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience.
We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
