Research Associate - Human Immunology

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Pathology Department at the University of Massachusetts Medical School specifically focuses on immunology and immunopathology research, with the purpose of uncovering cellular mechanisms that drive disease. The laboratory team led by Dr. Kiera Clayton is currently looking to fill the position of Research Associate Immunologist. Research interests include the characterization of human NK cells responses to HIV-infected macrophages, defining survival signatures in HIV-infected macrophages, and delineating pathways involved in perforin/granzyme resistance with the ultimate goal of designing therapies to eliminate HIV-infected macrophages. The ideal candidate would have a background in immunology, virology, and biochemistry, an interest in a career in medical sciences, and experience working in an immunology-focused lab. Technical skills in processing of human samples, flow cytometry, production of HIV virus, imaging flow cytometry, CRISPR editing of macrophages, and western blotting are required for this position.

These positions are an excellent opportunity for those applicants who have an overall interest in medical sciences and future interest in attending a graduate/medical school.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Designee, the Research Associate performs a variety of complex research experiments.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts in-depth analysis of research experiments
• Performs complex laboratory experiments
• Interprets data, forms conclusion, and decides on and plans next experiments to be done with a high degree of independence
• Compiles and analyzes data and performs computations using image analysis software, spreadsheets, graphing, and curve fitting software
• May modify protocols and be responsible for a single, independent research project
• Assists in writing the text of scientific publications and grants.  Reviews literature
• Trains new laboratory personnel, students, and collaborators
• Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment
• Complies with all safety and infection control standards
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems

PREFERRED SKILLS –

• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
• Working knowledge of data management programs (FlowJo, Excel, Prism, IDEAS, SnapGene)
• Flow cytometry – sample preparation, compensation, and data acquisition
• Imaging Flow Cytometry, including with HIV-infected cells

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

May functionally supervise Lab Technicians and Aides

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Wet chemistry laboratory, and may require appropriate contact with biohazards, radionuclides, toxins, animals, and human specimens. 

Perferred Skill Set and Experience:

• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently
• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
• Working knowledge of data management programs (FlowJo, Excel, Prism, IDEAS, SnapGene)
• Introductory level bioinformatics training (Python)
• Processing of human samples, including biohazardous samples from HIV-infected individuals
• Flow cytometry – sample preparation, compensation, and data acquisition
• Production of high-titer HIV virus
• Primary cell infection assays, with HIV virus
• Co-culture assays using primary cells and viruses including HIV
• Imaging Flow Cytometry, including with HIV-infected cells
• Molecular cloning
• CRSIPR editing of human macrophages
• Western blotting
• Executing protocols of routine and non-routine experiments
• Perform basic design and modification of protocols
• Maintaining an electronic laboratory notebook
• Calculate, transcribe and analyze data
• Weekly presentations of data at laboratory meetings
• Independent literature searches
• Assisting with organizing materials for conference presentations, grant applications and primary research publications
• Maintaining and ordering supplies

Department Oveview:

The Department of Pathology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School

located in Worcester, Massachusetts, invites applications for Research positions at the

Research Technician or Research Associate level. We are seeking individuals with a BA/BS in a Biological/Life Sciences. The ideal candidate would have a background in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology and/ or Biochemistry; experience working in a laboratory and with techniques in these areas is preferred. We are looking for individuals with scientific curiosity, a strong work ethic and an interest in the immunological basis of health and disease. Specific research areas currently include, but are not limited to, development of immune cells and gene regulation; innate immunity, immunity to pathogens including HIV; and skin/mucosal immunology. These positions are an excellent opportunity for those applicants who have an overall interest in medical sciences and future interest in attending a graduate/medical school.