Research Associate - $2,000 Sign on bonus

Overview:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Byrne and Yemini Labs ( & ) in the Department of Neurobiology at UMass Chan are looking for a shared Research Assistant/Lab Manager.

The Byrne lab studies the molecular mechanisms of axon regeneration and neurodegeneration in the aging nervous system, while the Yemini lab performs systems-level investigations of neuronal development, analyzing whole-brain activity and behavior. As such, the position will provide exposure to multiple aspects of Neurobiology and experience in state-of-the-art techniques.

The primary responsibilities comprise of:

Managing the labs. Half of the time will be spent overseeing day to day operations in the two separate yet neighboring labs, including maintaining supplies, managing strain collections and in time, training new lab members in basic animal handling and molecular biology.

Conducting research. Half of the time will be dedicated to research that is carried out independently or in conjunction with other lab members in one of the labs.

Outcomes and opportunities include:

Training in cutting-edge genetics, molecular biology, imaging, and neurobiology techniques

Authorship on publications

Working with an inclusive, interactive, innovative, and happy group of elegans researchers

Participation in an exciting and diverse department focused on neurodegeneration, repair, development, systems biology, glia, sleep, addiction, and circuits. Research within the department is carried out in many types of animals that range from invertebrates to primates.

We welcome candidates who:

Have research experience in the life sciences

Are transitioning from undergraduate research to graduate school or have significant research experience; mature researchers are welcome and encouraged to apply

Are willing to commit to a long-term position of at least 1.5 years, and preferably longer

Have worked with C. elegans; however, this is not a prerequisite.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Designee, the Research Associate performs a variety of complex research experiments.

Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Conducts in-depth analysis of research experiments

Performs complex laboratory experiments

Interprets data, forms conclusion, and decides on and plans next experiments to be done with a high degree of independence

Compiles and analyzes data and performs computations using image analysis software, spreadsheets, graphing, and curve fitting software

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

Assists in writing the text of scientific publications and grants. Reviews literature

Trains new laboratory personnel, students, and collaborators

Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment

Complies with all safety and infection control standards

Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent 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

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May functionally supervise Lab Technicians and Aides

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

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