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Research Associate II - Human Immunology - Sign on bonus $2,000

Employer
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Location
Worcester County, MA
Closing date
Dec 25, 2021
Overview:

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Pathology Department at the University of Massachusetts 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 (). 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.

Responsibilities:

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform complex laboratory experiments

Conduct in-depth analysis of research experiments

Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on and plan the next experiments to be done with a high degree of independence

Write standard operating procedures, schedule work, analyze data, maintain accurate records, and write reports

Compile and analyze data. Perform computations using image analysis software, spreadsheets, graphing, and curve fitting software

May modify protocols and be responsible for a single, independent research project

May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals

Assist in writing the text of scientific publications and grants. Review literature

Train new laboratory personnel, students, and collaborators

Comply with all safety and infection control standards

Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in the Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience

5 years of relevant research experience.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office products

Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner

Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems

PREFERRED SKILLS -

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

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May functionally supervise aides, technicians, and associates

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

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

Additional Information:

Perferred 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 Oveview:

The Department of Pathology at the University of Massachusetts 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.

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