Overview:
POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is interested in supporting metabolism-based research projects in the department of Molecular Medicine in a variety of experimental models using liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (or designee) you will provide high-quality and professional operational support to our liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry platform by performing bench level experiments. You will use discretion in prioritizing and organizing workflows. You will be expected to work independently and as part of a team to ensure high-quality data acquisition in a state-of-the-art laboratory.
This is an open-rank posting (there are four levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.
Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Research Associate I:
Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project.
Process and prepare samples for analysis by LCMS by following SOPs
Perform weekly cleaning and calibration of LCMS instrumentation
Perform data quality checks
Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used
Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps 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 needed.
Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc and clean laboratory glassware
Assist with and comply with all safety regulations 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
Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
Perform other duties as required
Research Associate II:
Essential functions noted above plus:
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
Process and prepare samples for analysis by LCMS by following SOPs
Perform weekly cleaning and calibration of LCMS instrumentation
Perform data quality checks
Attend team meetings. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals
Consult with literature and scientific colleagues to maintain professional expertise
Research Associate III:
Essential functions noted above plus:
Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects
Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations
Compile and analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications
May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as needed; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources
Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment
May manage general operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects
May create 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 diligence
Perform duties and experiments with independence
Provide training of new lab personnel
May monitor laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee
May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding.
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
Process and prepare samples for analysis by LCMS by following SOPs
Organize laboratory supplies and orders as necessary to maintain laboratory stocks
Perform weekly cleaning and calibration of LCMS instrumentation.
Perform data quality checks
Attend team meetings. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals
Research Associate IV:
Essential functions noted above plus:
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
Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments.
Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence
Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as needed
Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment
Monitor and enforce all safety regulations 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
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
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 weekly cleaning and calibration of LCMS instrumentation
Perform data quality checks
Attend team meetings. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals
Qualifications:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Research Associate I
Bachelor’s degree in biological science/biochemistry/(analytical) chemistry, or a field directly related to the work
Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols
Proficient in basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including working with micropipettes and buffer making
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks
Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Research Associate II
Requirements noted for RA I plus:
18 months of relevant research experience with a bachelor’s degree in biological science/biochemistry/(analytical) chemistry or 0 years with a related master’s degree.
Research Associate III
Requirements noted for RA I plus:
3+ years of relevant research experience with a bachelor’s degree in biological science/biochemistry/(analytical) chemistry or 1-year relevant research experience with a related master’s degree
Experience with chromatography and/ or mass spectrometry
Research Associate IV
Requirements noted for RA I plus:
5+ years of relevant research experience with a bachelor’s degree in biological science/biochemistry/(analytical) chemistry or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Masters degree or Ph.D.
Experience analyzing small molecules using chromatography and/or mass spectrometry
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (ALL LEVELS):
Interest in advanced data processing and analysis (use of Matlab, R, Python etc).
Familiarity with statistical models used to analyze large datasets
Permanent