Research Associate IV

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate IV designs and performs a variety of complex research experiments with a high degree of independence. This position will contribute significantly to the management of the research program and will be involved in multiple aspects of the research projects and lab maintenance activities.

Essential Functions

• 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 required
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biological or Natural Science and 5+ years of relevant research experience or a related Masters 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 environment
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• T cell responses to virus-specific immunology and heterologous immunity
• T cell sorting, TCR sequencing, T cell phenotyping
• BD-LSRII and BD-FACSymphony A5-SE cell analyzer
• Working expertise in BCL-2 laboratory
• Real-time PCR technique
• Experience and expertise fields: virology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology
• Experience with PBMC isolation from human blood, CD4/CD8T cell/B cell sorting, HLA-typing, FACS staining, ELISPOT Assays, proliferation assays, ICS production Assay of T cells, NK and Treg cells.
• Skilled in Ag-specific phenotyping of CD4/CD8 and B cells; Viral load quantification in PBMC, nasal-oral washes and sputum; Genomic DNA, RNA isolation and amplification
• Skilled in Ab-subtyping/profiling; Setting up short term T cell cultures; TCR VA/VB / TCR V Gammadelta repertoire analysis
• Skilled in Freezing-thawing T-B cells, plasma and serum; Quantification of cytotoxic T cells by Chromium 51 release assay; Using GC 1000 irradiator
• Experience with T2, 721.221 and MLA-144 cell lines; Preparing MHC-Class I tetramers with different streptavidin conjugates
• Expertise on using Prism Graph Pad 10 and FlowJo 10 programs
  
  

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

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Chan recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.