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. This is an open-rank posting with four levels of Research Associate, and candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments.
• 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 and may modify protocols with PI approval.
• Review literature, publications, and grants relevant to assigned projects.
• Record results according to established lab, sponsor, and 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, and Radiation safety protocols.
• Comply with all applicable state, federal, university, and sponsor policies and agreements.
• Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, proposing resolutions, and implementing appropriate solutions.
• Provide support with drafting standard operating procedures in compliance with EHS regulations specific for the lab.
• Perform other duties as required.

Additional responsibilities for higher levels include:

• Assisting with training of new lab personnel.
• Assisting with drafting manuscript sections.
• Performing complex laboratory experiments and managing independent research projects.
• Performing in-depth data analysis.
• Compiling and analyzing data for publication.
• Overseeing laboratory supply levels and negotiating with suppliers.
• Monitoring laboratory equipment service contracts and maintenance.
• Managing general operations of the laboratory.
• Creating new protocols and/or modifying defined protocols.
• Prioritizing and performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Performing duties and experiments with independence.
• Monitoring laboratory spending and assisting with budget/operational aspects of grant funding.
• Contributing significantly to the management of the research program.
• Independently designing and performing multiple complex laboratory experiments.
• Interpreting data with a high degree of independence.
• Managing laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinating maintenance.
• Monitoring and enforcing safety regulations and infection control standards.
• Identifying and writing standard operating procedures.
• Managing daily operations of the laboratory.
• Mentoring and training lab personnel.
• Assisting with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals.
• Negotiating with vendors.
• Contributing independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants.
• Directing the activities of research support staff.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft Office products.

Qualifications

• Research Associate I:
• 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.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Research Associate II:
• Requirements noted for RA I plus:
• 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 0 years with a related Masters Degree.
• Research Associate III:
• Requirements noted for RA I plus:
• 3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Masters Degree.
• Research Associate IV:
• Requirements noted for RA I plus:
• 5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelors Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Masters degree.