Research Associate, Open Rank

About the Role

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory and performs research experiments as defined by the PI. This is an open-rank posting with four levels of Research Associate; candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience. This position includes work on one or more NIH-sponsored research studies focusing on early development and identification of children with developmental disabilities, health systems and service access, and implementation of best practices in community settings. Projects involve cross-site collaboration and working closely with research and community partners at other institutions. Bilingual candidates in English and Spanish are especially encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

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 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 noted.
• Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
• 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, and implement appropriate solutions.
• Provide support with drafting standard operating procedures in compliance with 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.
• May assist with drafting manuscript sections.

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)

• Contribute significantly to the management of the research program and 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.
• 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 operating procedures in compliance with EHS regulation specific for the lab.
• Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
• 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.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Biological or Natural Science or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Software relevant to experiment and equipment used.
• Safety regulations and infection control standards.
• IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols.
• For RA II: 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree or 0 years with a Masters Degree.
• For RA III: 3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree or 1 year with a Masters Degree.
• For RA IV: 5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree or 3+ years with a Masters Degree.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience.
• Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols.
• Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred.
• Experience with database development and management is preferred.
• Comfortable interfacing with families, caregivers, and professionals in the context of recruitment and data collection is preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and independent problem solving is preferred.
• Interest in developmental disabilities and health equity is preferred.