What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate IV position at University of Massachusetts Medical School?
Overview
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.
Responsibilities
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
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science and 5 years of relevant research experience or a related Master’s 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
Additional Information
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
