Research Associate II
- Employer
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Location
- 55 Lake Ave N
View more categoriesView less categories
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
Research Associate — Stem Cell Biology, Genome Engineering, and Genomics
The Maehr Lab at UMass Chan Medical School invites applications for a Research Associate position supporting an NIH-funded program focused on engineering stem cell–derived islets for immune tolerance.
Our laboratory combines human pluripotent stem cell differentiation, CRISPR-based genome and epigenome engineering, next-generation sequencing, single-cell genomics, and immunology to develop stem cell–derived islets that resist autoimmune and allogeneic immune responses while preserving beta-cell identity and function.
Position Overview
The Research Associate will support projects involving human pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation, molecular cloning, gene targeting, immune assays, and genomic profiling. The successful candidate will work with experimental and computational scientists to generate and characterize engineered stem cell lines and assess their differentiation, function, molecular state, and immune compatibility.
Qualifications
Applicants should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, genomics, bioengineering, immunology, or a related field.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
- Human pluripotent stem cell culture and directed differentiation.
- Molecular cloning and CRISPR-based gene targeting.
- RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, or single-cell omics.
- Flow cytometry, imaging, or immune-cell assays.
- Pancreatic beta-cell or islet biology.
Prior experience in every area is not required. Candidates with strong experience in one relevant area and an interest in learning complementary approaches are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
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 with a degree of independence while 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
- May assist with laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment
- 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
- May assist with the training of new lab personnel
- Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
- May assist with drafting manuscripts sections
- Perform other duties as required
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science and 18 months of relevant research experience or a related Master’s degree.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
- ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
- Ability to work in a team environment
Research Environment
The Maehr Lab is part of the Program in Molecular Medicine and the Diabetes Center of Excellence at UMass Chan Medical School. The laboratory offers a highly collaborative environment spanning stem cell biology, immunology, functional genomics, epigenomics, computational biology, and regenerative medicine.
Organization
Realize Your Opportunities – A Career at UMASS Medical School
Inside Workings at UMASS Medical School
The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), the Commonwealth's only public medical school, is proud of our role in serving the people of Massachusetts. Although, its the inside workings of UMMS that makes the difference.
Mission and Culture
- We’re serious about our mission and about our people.
- Real World Impact - Our people get excited about our mission of real-world impact in health sciences education, research and public service.
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- Deep Commitment - With our clinical partner, UMass Memorial Health Care, and our other teaching affiliates, we share a deep commitment to national distinction in patient care.
- Valued Partnerships – UMMS partners with Commonwealth Medicine, the health care consulting arm of UMMS. Also, UMMS partners with MassBiologics in scientific collaborations, technology management and creating partnerships for the development of products for the benefit of patients. These valued partnerships help us to provide services and programs to help meet our needs at UMMS and the public.
- Proud Contributors - People at UMMS enjoy the feeling of going to work every day knowing what they do is truly important and worthwhile.
- Complementary and Inseparable - These varied parts of our mission and culture are complementary and inseparable.
Careers
UMMS, the state’s first and only public academic health sciences center, educates physicians, scientists and advanced practice nurses to heal, discover, teach and care, with compassion. UMMS is a world-class institution with opportunities to match. 
Competitive Compensation – UMMS offers salaries that are competitive with Worcester-area employers. When combined with our generous benefits, perks, and paid time off, many job seekers are surprised to find a total rewards package that matches or exceeds their current situation.
Targeted Hiring Process – At UMMS, there are actually multiple hiring processes for different segments of our workforce. In nearly all cases, UMMS hiring process is decentralized, with qualified candidates screened and referred to an academic officer or manager with hiring authority.
24/7 Access to Employment Opportunities – iCIMS is our online job search and application system. iCIMS is available 24/7 to provide you with a convenient and up-to-date view of the available employment opportunities across our campuses. Updates are made daily and include all faculty and non-faculty position listings from every school and department within the UMMS. When you identify a position you are interested in and qualified for, apply online. New opportunities become available frequently so it pays to check back often!
Benefits
With outstanding benefits, competitive pay, extensive learning opportunities, and a stimulating and attractive work environment, UMMS may be exactly the employer you’ve been looking for.
• Superior Benefits - UMMS offers a wide range of benefits and perks that invite comparison with the best employers in the Worcester area – and with academic institutions anywhere. UMMS provides superior medical and dental coverage for you and your family, fully funded retirement plans, generous time off, a Tuition Assistance Plan – and much more.
• People Centered - UMMS is an employer, but it is also a community. Its comprehensive medical and dental benefits, retirement plans, and even paid holidays reflect an institution built around people, with a deep respect for their differences and needs.
• Commitment to Healthy Living - UMMS provides resources to help you balance work and life and encourages healthy living through great programs and discounts for fitness, physical activity, weight management, nutritional counseling and general wellness available through our health insurance plans.
• Breadth of Offerings - Above all, the breadth of UMMS offerings set the School apart and makes it an environment favored by all sorts of smart, career-savvy people.
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As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMMS recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
Online - To view all job opportunities and apply online, visit www.umassmed.edu/hr and click on the “Careers” tab.
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A History of Making Vital Improvements - UMASS Medical School Milestones
1962: Legislation establishes University of Massachusetts Medical School
1970: First medical students begin classes in Shaw Building
1974: First class graduates 16 MDs
1979: PhD program begins
1986: Graduate School of Nursing opens
1986: PhD program becomes Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
1994: Graduate School of Nursing initiates PhD program
1998: UMass Clinical System and Memorial Health Care merge to form UMass Memorial Health Care
2001: Lazare Research Building opens
2002: Campus Modernization begins on the University Campus
2004: Graduate Entry Pathway Program established at the Graduate School of Nursing
2005: PhD Program in Clinical & Population Health Research established at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
2005: Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories opens new manufacturing and filling facility in Mattapan
2006: Craig Mello, PhD, Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, is awarded the Medical School's first Nobel Prize. Dr. Mello shared the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Andrew Fire, PhD, of Stanford University, for their discoveries related to RNA interference.
2007: Michael F. Collins, MD, is named chancellor and Terence R. Flotte, MD, is named dean of the School of Medicine.
2009: Groundbreaking for the Albert Sherman Center, a 500,000-square-foot research and education facility slated for completion in 2012.
2010: Ambulatory Care Center opens
2012: The Albert Sherman Center, a 500,000-square-foot research and education facility, completed and opens
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