SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION SUMMARY: 

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

We are seeking a highly-motivated recent college graduate to join us in our studies to prevent liver failure.  Our lab has just moved to UMass Chan from Massachusetts General Hospital, and we are excited to welcome new lab members to our team. Our lab studies how chronic liver injury leads to scarring (fibrosis) and liver failure, with the goal of developing approaches to inhibit progression these processes. We study chronic liver injury in systems that include cell culture, stem cell differentiation into organoids, mouse models, and human liver tissue. We apply analyses from the more traditional PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence to more cutting-edge approaches including single cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics (mapping expression of hundreds of different genes in each cell within a tissue section), and computer modeling.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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 require

A research associate will work on projects with the principal investigator and senior postdocs (~70% of effort) and will also spend about ~30% of their effort on management duties that include purchasing/organizing supplies and supervising equipment maintenance.  In the first year, the research associate will learn many new techniques, and in the second year they will have the opportunity to take on more independent projects where they can apply their new expertise. 

REQUIRED 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 environmen

A bachelors degree is required, preferably with studies in either molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or computer science.  The candidate must be responsible, organized, and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Previous experience in scientific research (including working with mice) is a great asset, but common sense, reliability, and enthusiasm are more important than experience.

Individuals with a computational background and less experience at the bench are also encouraged to apply, as there are multiple computational projects in the lab.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

May functionally supervise Lab Technicians and Aides

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

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

This position can be a great transition for students with a bachelors degree who are interested in gaining biomedical research experience before applying to graduate or medical school. We have now had five lab members work in the lab for 2-3 years in this position and then go on to either medical school or graduate school.