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Research Associate II

UMass Med School • Worcester, MA, United States • 3d ago

Research Associate II

Requisition Number 2026-49998

# of Openings 1

Posted Date Day

Shift Exempt

Exempt/Non-Exempt Status Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional

Position Type Full-Time

Min USD $44,000.00/Yr.

Max USD $48,000.00/Yr.

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate will perform research experiments as defined by the PI.

This is an open-rank posting (there are 4 levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.

We currently have an opening for a Research Associate to join the expanding laboratory of Marcus Ruscetti, Ph.D. at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical Center. The Ruscetti lab is studying how solid tumors, and in particular prostate and pancreatic cancers, escape the immune detection, and designing new strategies to activate our own immune system to eradicate cancer. Our lab uses innovative mouse modeling approaches, combined with genome editing, screening, and sequencing technologies, to dissect and manipulate tumor suppressor pathways, to elucidate tumor-immune interactions, and to evaluate new drug combinations for treating aggressive solid tumors. We are a highly collaborative and inclusive group. This position offers opportunities for career development, including possibly designing and executing independent experiments which could lead to publication.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Research Associate I:

Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project.

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 protocolAssist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations.Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice.Present findings at lab/group meetingsMonitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted.Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards.Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocolsComply 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:

Duties 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 manuscript sessions.

Research Associate III:

Duties 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 attention to detail.
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.

Research Associate IV:

Duties 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 noted.
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 other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Research Associate I

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.

Research Associate II

Requirements noted for RA I plus:
18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Natural Science 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 or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Master's Degree

Research Associate IV

Requirements noted for RA I plus:
5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Master's degree.

Additional Information

In this role you will:

Perform a variety of laboratory experiments using both routine and specialized techniques, including:
- Mouse colony management, breeding, and genotyping
- Mouse experiments, including surgical procedures, imaging, drug dosing, and organ harvesting
- Routine histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence
- Flow cytometry analysis
- Molecular biology procedures such as DNA purification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting
- Cell and organoid culture work

Work collaboratively to assist Postdoctoral fellows and graduate students with research projects
Collect, record, and analyze data
Assist in the training of others
Write and provide input to improve current procedures, protocols, and/or methods
Prepares laboratory reagents, buffers, media, and other general lab stocks
Assist with lab organizational tasks, including lab supply ordering and purchasing