Research Associate IV

Research Associate IV
Job Number: 2022-40188
Category: Research
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift: Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School
Department: School - Infectious Disease - W710060
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Grade: 44
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Oct. 18, 2024

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

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

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments
• Identify and utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used
• Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence
• Maintain accurate records, and record results according to established lab, sponsor and University protocol
• Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects
• Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol
• Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice
• Compile and analyze data, and present in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications
• Present findings at lab/group meetings and other forums
• Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted
• Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
• Monitor and enforce all safety regulation and infection control standards
• Identify and write standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
• Train on IACUC, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
• Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements
• Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures and projects
• Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions
• Develop and implement new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI
• Prioritize and perform several tasks or procedures simultaneously with attention to detail
• Perform duties and experiments with independence
• Mentor and train lab personnel on proper lab conduct and techniques
• Manage laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee
• Assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals
• Negotiate with vendors to optimize available resources
• Contribute independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants
• Direct the activities of research support staff
• Perform other duties as require

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Biological or Natural Science and 5+ years of relevant research experience or a related Masters degree with 3+ years of relevant research experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Ability to work in a team environmen

Ramirez-Ortiz Lab studies the role of scavenger receptors in efferocytosis, with a focus on autoimmunity. Currently, we are trying to dissect the function of SCARF1 in Lupus. Research associate will work under the direction of Principal Investigator/Project leader, and perform a variety of technical duties involving (but not limited to) aiding in experiments, lab maintenance and animal work to support the research projects.

Required Responsibilities:

-Work under the direction of the Principal Investigator

-Perform a variety of technical duties such as: Western Blots, qPCR, flow cytometry, protein extraction, cloning, genotyping

-Prepare culture media (tissue cultures and bacterial), solutions and chemical reagents

-To order and maintain equipment

-To keep track of consumables and lab reagents (inventory)

-Maintain lab notebooks and lab reports

-To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the scope of the grant

Required Techniques:

-Tissue culture, bacterial culture, PCR, qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, basic microscopy

-Word, Excel, Power Point

Additional Techniques:

-Flow cytometry, basic knowledge on animal care and handling, cloning, transfections

-GraphPad Prism, Flojo

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