SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator or designee, the Research Associate II performs a variety of complex research experiments and is responsible for overseeing laboratory operations within the Department.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform complex laboratory experiments and conduct in-depth analysis of research experiments
• Write standard operating procedures, schedule work, analyze data, maintain accurate records, and write reports
• Report the status of projects and observations to the Department Chair
• Ensure departmental computer resources remain functional and provide on-site support to Investigators as requested
• Design and execute protocols and experiments, modify protocols as needed, and may be responsible for own research project
• Manage laboratory research staff
• Responsible for overall laboratory organization including oversight of safety protocols and the maintenance of related records 
• May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals
• Long-range planning for laboratory and departmental equipment maintenance and replacement. Assist in procurement of departmental equipment. Responsible for physical inventory of all equipment, and maintaining records of all equipment acquired, moved off-site, or discarded
• Oversee and coordinate the use of centralized departmental facilities
• Work with Facilities Engineering, Environmental Health and Safety, and Radiation Safety to ensure department facilities and laboratories are in compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations
• Assist in writing the text of scientific publications and grants.  Review literature
• Oversee and assist in the training of 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
• 5 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

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

Supervise aides, technicians, and associates

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

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

Summary of Position

We currently have an opening for a Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Michelle Kelliher at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The Kelliher lab studies how leukemia develops using genetically engineered mouse models and patient derived xenografts. We are focused on understanding the molecular and cellular basis of chemoresistance and relapse in an effort to develop novel therapeutic approaches. Our lab uses innovative mouse modeling approaches and single cell sequencing and chromatin accessibility methods to identify features of leukemic stem or initiating cells thought to mediate relapse. This position offers opportunities for career development, including possibly designing and executing independent experiments which could lead to publication.

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 culture work 
• Mouse colony management, breeding, and genotyping
• Mouse experiments, injections and organ harvesting
• Routine histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence
• Flow cytometry analysis 
• Collect, record, and analyze data
• Assist in the training of others
• Write and provide input to improve current procedures, protocols, and/or methods
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, media, and other general lab stocks
• Assist with lab organizational tasks, including lab equipment setup and lab supply ordering and purchasing

 Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology or a related scientific discipline
• A minimum of two years of experience in a research laboratory setting, with experience in molecular biology and cell culture techniques preferred 
• Mouse experience is highly desired but not required
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to perform complex tasks effectively and independently with general instruction
• Ability to work in a team-focused environment
• Excellent communication and computer skills