The Pathology Department at the UMass Chan Medical School specifically focuses on immunology and immunopathology research, with the purpose of uncovering cellular mechanisms that drive disease. The NIH-funded laboratory team, led by Dr. Kiera Clayton, is currently looking to fill the position of Research Technician I or II, entry level immunologist positions. Research interests include the characterization of human NK cell, CD8+ T cell, and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell responses to HIV-infected macrophages and identifying pathways involved in perforin/granzyme resistance with the goal of designing therapies to eliminate HIV-infected macrophages (https://www.clayton-lab.org/). Many of these projects involve collaborations with established labs at various universities and hospitals, including Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, MIT, the Ragon Institute, Boston University, Weill Cornell Medicine, University of Toronto, and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Additional networks with startup and mid-level biotech companies are also established. The ideal candidate for this position would have a background in immunology, virology, and biochemistry, an interest in a career in medical sciences, and experience working in a previous laboratory setting. Training provided would prepare the candidate for graduate school, medical school, or a Research Associate position in industry. Experimental day-to-day work will include working with human samples, making HIV stocks, performing live infections, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, and microscopy. A minimum time commitment of two years is preferred.  

These positions are an excellent opportunity for those applicants who have an overall interest in medical sciences and future interest in attending a graduate/medical school.

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

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 required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s 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 environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
• Working knowledge of data management programs (FlowJo, Excel, Prism, IDEAS, SnapGene)
• Flow cytometry – sample preparation, compensation, and data acquisition
• Imaging Flow Cytometry, including with HIV-infected cells

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

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

Preferred Skill Set and Experience:

• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently
• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
• Working knowledge of data management programs (FlowJo, Excel, Prism, IDEAS, SnapGene)
• Introductory level bioinformatics training (Python)
• Processing of human samples, including biohazardous samples from HIV-infected individuals
• Flow cytometry – sample preparation, compensation, and data acquisition
• Production of high-titer HIV virus
• Primary cell infection assays, with HIV virus
• Co-culture assays using primary cells and viruses including HIV
• Imaging Flow Cytometry, including with HIV-infected cells
• Molecular cloning
• CRSIPR editing of human macrophages
• Western blotting
• Executing protocols of routine and non-routine experiments
• Perform basic design and modification of protocols
• Maintaining an electronic laboratory notebook
• Calculate, transcribe, and analyze data
• Weekly presentations of data at laboratory meetings
• Independent literature searches
• Assisting with organizing materials for conference presentations, grant applications and primary research publications
• Maintaining and ordering supplies

Department Overview:

The Department of Pathology at the UMass Chan Medical School located in Worcester, Massachusetts, invites applications for Research positions at the Research Technician or Research Associate level. We are seeking individuals with a BA/BS in a Biological/Life Sciences. The ideal candidate would have a background in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology and/ or Biochemistry; experience working in a laboratory and with techniques in these areas is preferred. We are looking for individuals with scientific curiosity, a strong work ethic and an interest in the immunological basis of health and disease. Specific research areas currently include, but are not limited to, development of immune cells and gene regulation; innate immunity, immunity to pathogens including HIV; and skin/mucosal immunology. These positions are an excellent opportunity for those applicants who have an overall interest in medical sciences and future interest in attending a graduate/medical school.