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.

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School­­­ invites applications for one or more Research Technicians in the laboratory of Dr. Rachael Sirianni. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on NIH funded projects focused on development and clinical translation of novel nanomedicine in the fields of neuro-oncology, neurodegeneration, or brain injury. General laboratory activities include biomaterials synthesis, nanoparticle formulation, targeted drug delivery, imaging of nanoparticle and drug fate, and therapeutic development in preclinical models of human disease. The successful candidate would be responsible for a subset of research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or senior laboratory members. The environment within the Sirianni Laboratory is highly collaborative and translational, with strong support for independent career development per the candidate’s interests. 

Qualified applicants will possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with prior research experience in one or more of the following subjects: biomaterial development, nanoparticle formulation, microscopy, cell culture, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and/or preclinical models of human disease. There is flexibility for scope of work, and the exact project selection can be tailored to the candidate’s experience and individual interests. The ideal candidate will be well-experienced in research environments and comfortable implementing studies either independently or in collaboration with other team members. Key qualities for this position include strong communication skills and an interest in supporting a multidisciplinary team to achieve high-impact translational goals. 

The research environment is both dynamic and supportive, with a strong focus on mentorship. Individuals from a background that is underrepresented in STEM, including women and underrepresented minorities, are particularly encouraged to apply. Salary will be competitive, commensurate with experience, and relocation assistance is available. 

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

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on NIH funded projects focused on development and clinical translation of novel nanomedicine in the fields of neuro-oncology, neurodegeneration, or brain injury.

The research environment is both dynamic and supportive, with a strong focus on mentorship. Individuals from a background that is underrepresented in STEM, including women and underrepresented minorities, are particularly encouraged to apply.

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