Laboratory Technician - Biological Sciences - Lee Lab

Job no: 518342
Position type: Staff Full Time
Benefit Status: Benefited-Union
Campus: UMass Lowell
Department: Biological Sciences
Salary: Salary commensurate with experience/grant
Applications Open: Apr 20 2023
Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The Lee lab at UMass Lowell’s Department of Biological Sciences is looking for an enthusiastic and independent Laboratory Technician to study chromatin and longevity using the model nematode, C. elegans. This position is ideal for someone seeking to obtain additional research experience prior to entering graduate school or other biomedical careers. We are seeking a curious, organized, and responsible individual to conduct research, mentor trainees, and manage the lab. Techs in the Lee lab have their own independent research projects, and will have the chance to present at conferences and earn authorship on scientific papers. For additional training, UML employees can take up to one course per semester for credit with full tuition credit.

Our lab’s mission is to understand how chromatin affects the epigenetic inheritance of complex genetic traits, like fertility and longevity. We enjoy working as a team to support each other’s growth, and an ideal candidate will contribute to our inclusive and supportive training environment. You can learn more about us at our website: http://leewormlab.org.

The ideal candidate will commit to at least two years of employment and hold a Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related life sciences field. Previous research experience (in an undergraduate research lab setting, or elsewhere) is essential. Experience with C. elegans or molecular biology is strongly preferred, but not required. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Please include a resume/CV and cover letter with your application. Names and current contact information of three references will be required during the application process. Anticipated start date is May 30, 2023.

Responsibilities:

• Perform research (50% time). This position will support our NIH-funded work on how the transgenerational inheritance of repressive chromatin affects lifespan and health. Projects will involve C. elegans genetics, molecular biology, and fluorescent microscopy. Depending on interest, training in genomic analysis may also be included. An important aspect of scientific training is learning to communicate with other scientists, so participation in lab meetings and journal clubs is required. We also strongly encourage participation in campus symposia and regional meetings (like the Boston Area Worm Club) as schedules allow.
• Manage the lab (50% time): maintaining strain and reagent collections, preparing common lab solutions, pouring plates, maintaining equipment, establishing lab protocols, training other lab members, mentoring students, and general lab operations.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Specific experience in a research lab setting (as an undergraduate is acceptable)
• Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related life-sciences field (or equivalent experience), including solid performance in college-level biology and chemistry lab coursework
• Strong written and verbal communication, including familiarity with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel PowerPoint)
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills in record keeping, multitasking, prioritizing responsibilities, and time management
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team
• An interest in supporting the work of other trainees through mentoring
• Enthusiasm for discovery and basic scientific research

Additional Considerations:

• Flexible schedule that allows evening or weekend hours, based on experimental need

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience with any of the following: C. elegans husbandry, genetic crosses, PCR, gel electrophoresis, immunoblots, immunofluorescence, or bioinformatics
• Excellent organizational skills in record keeping, multitasking, prioritizing responsibilities, and time management
• Experience with tutoring or mentoring undergraduate students
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This is a Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit position, Grade P12.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; however, the posting may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This position is contingent upon funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The anticipated start date for this position is May 30, 2023.

Please include a resume/CV and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.