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Research Associate I
Job Number: 2018-32074
Category: Research
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift: Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School
Department: School - Cardiovascular Medicine - W710010
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Grade: 42
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: April 28, 2019

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

The Donahue lab is working to define mechanisms of abnormal heart rhythms, and from that information, to develop novel therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT).  As a means to that end, the lab has developed several gene therapy methods and created novel pig models of AF and VT.  We were first to show efficacy of gene therapy for a cardiac arrhythmia in a 12/2000 Nature Medicine publication.  That work was cited as one of the top 10 advances in cardiac research for the year by the American Heart Association.  We have also shown preclinical efficacy for elimination of atrial fibrillation and post-myocardial infarction ventricular arrhythmias in our pig models, using a variety of treatment strategies with gene therapy.  Our ongoing interests include the investigation of mechanisms for post-infarct VT and chronic AF, the development of improved gene delivery methods, and the use of these methods for arrhythmia gene therapy.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator or designee, the Research Associate I performs a variety of complex research experiments.

 

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform complex laboratory experiments
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of research experiments
  • Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on and plan the next experiments to be done with a high degree of independence
  • Write standard operating procedures, schedule work, analyze data, maintain accurate records, and write reports
  • Compile and analyze data. Perform computations using image analysis software, spreadsheets, graphing, and curve fitting software
  • May modify protocols and be responsible for a single, independent research project
  • 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
  • Train new laboratory personnel, students, and collaborators
  • Comply with all safety and infection control standards
  • Perform other duties as required.

                                                                                                           

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • Bachelor’s degree in the Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience
  • 3 years of relevant research experience
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
  • Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
  • Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous experience with chronic animal models, laboratory equipment, and basic laboratory skills is needed.
  • Bachelor's degree with emphasis in biology or veterinary or medical sciences preferred.
  • Previous experience with IACUC protocols and procedures and with Good Laboratory Practice guidelines is helpful.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

May functionally supervise aides, technicians, and associates

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

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

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