Research Associate I
- Employer
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Location
- 366 Plantation St
View more categoriesView less categories
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
General Summary
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate I provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate I will perform research experiments as defined by the PI.
The Alkema laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology at UMass Chan Medical School is seeking a full-time research technician to support studies of neural circuit function, behavior, and interactions between animals and their microbial environment.
Our laboratory uses C. elegans to investigate the molecular and neural coding of gut-brain communication. The technician will contribute to ongoing projects involving behavioral state transitions, neuromodulator release, gastro-intestinal signaling and host–microbe interaction
Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include:
• Maintaining C. elegans strains and bacterial cultures
• Performing genetic crosses and phenotypic analyses
• Conducting molecular biology, cloning, PCR, and genotyping
• Generating transgenic strains and genome-edited lines
• Performing fluorescence microscopy and quantitative behavioral assays
• Preparing samples for biochemical or metabolomic analysis
• Maintaining accurate experimental records and laboratory inventories
• Assisting with general laboratory organization • Working with laboratory members to design, conduct, and analyze experiments
You will receive training in C. elegans genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, imaging, and quantitative behavioral analysis.
Depending on experience and interests, the successful applicant will have opportunities to take responsibility for an independent research project and contribute to publications. This position is well suited to someone seeking additional research experience before applying to graduate or professional school, although applicants interested in a longer-term technical position are also encouraged to apply
QualificationsQualifications
- 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
Prefered Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or a related field.
- Previous laboratory research experience is preferred.
- Experience with C. elegans, microbiology, fluorescence microscopy, molecular cloning, or quantitative data analysis
The successful candidate should be reliable, enthusiastic, organized, attentive to detail, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative research group.
Additional InformationApplicants should submit:
• A brief cover letter describing their research experience, interests, and career goals
• A curriculum vitae or résumé
• Contact information for two or three references
Please submit a cover letter with your formal application addressed to Dr. Mark Alkema
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is fille
Organization
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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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