Research Associate I, Immunology

About the Role

The Vujkovic-Cvijin Lab investigates how human gut microbes influence inflammatory diseases, integrating omics technologies at the intersection of immunology, microbiology, and computational biology. The lab's primary goal is to understand how gut microbes affect the body and to harness this relationship for improving human health. The Research Associate I performs routine experimental protocols and procedures under direct supervision to support laboratory research projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of routine laboratory tasks and procedures.
• Keeps accurate and detailed project records of experiments and results.
• May assist with animal husbandry.
• Maintains lab equipment and related records.
• Transports, processes, and logs samples.
• Maintains computer database with relevant clinical information.
• Performs lab maintenance duties, including glassware cleaning and sterilization.
• Maintains stocks of general lab materials and places orders for lab equipment and supplies.
• Assists new students and fellows in the laboratory.
• Assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery.
• Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures.
• Collaborates to problem-solve and make decisions to achieve desired outcomes.
• Establishes effective working relationships with cross-functional teams.
• Responds promptly, effectively, and appropriately to deliverables.
• Shares knowledge, time, and expertise to assist other team members.
• Maintains detailed, organized, and accurate laboratory records.
• Assists with instrument validation/service and maintenance purchase orders.
• Assists with issues concerning lab space, including coordinating repairs.
• Places orders for lab supplies.
• Aids in maintaining contact with vendors for equipment or supplies.
• Coordinates biowaste pickup, anaerobic gas, liquid nitrogen, and CO2 delivery/pickup.
• Assists researchers with glass washing, autoclaving, and miscellaneous lab duties.
• Serves as a point of contact for freezer alarms and system monitoring.
• Assists in annual and semiannual maintenance for equipment, such as PCR machines.
• Provides entry for visitors and repairs.
• Assists new Research Fellows and/or Research Scientists with day-to-day lab operations and procedures.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Familiarity with routine laboratory procedures and experimental protocols.
• Understanding of general research objectives.
• Working knowledge of database management, personal computers, and presentation and imaging software.
• Computer skills including, but not limited to, Excel and Word.
• Ability to perform routine cellular, micro-, and molecular biology procedures.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to demonstrate problem-solving skills and recommend solutions.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organization skills.
• Ability to work across company disciplines and functional units.