General Summary

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

The Alkema laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology at UMass Chan Medical School is seeking a full-time research technician to support studies of neural circuit function, behavior, and interactions between animals and their microbial environment.

Our laboratory uses C. elegans to investigate the molecular and neural coding of gut-brain communication. The technician will contribute to ongoing projects involving behavioral state transitions, neuromodulator release, gastro-intestinal signaling and host–microbe interaction

Responsibilities may include:

• Maintaining C. elegans strains and bacterial cultures

• Performing genetic crosses and phenotypic analyses

• Conducting molecular biology, cloning, PCR, and genotyping

• Generating transgenic strains and genome-edited lines

• Performing fluorescence microscopy and quantitative behavioral assays

• Preparing samples for biochemical or metabolomic analysis

• Maintaining accurate experimental records and laboratory inventories

• Assisting with general laboratory organization • Working with laboratory members to design, conduct, and analyze experiments

You will receive training in C. elegans genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, imaging, and quantitative behavioral analysis.

Depending on experience and interests, the successful applicant will have opportunities to take responsibility for an independent research project and contribute to publications. This position is well suited to someone seeking additional research experience before applying to graduate or professional school, although applicants interested in a longer-term technical position are also encouraged to apply

Qualifications

• 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

Prefered Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or a related field.
• Previous laboratory research experience is preferred.
• Experience with C. elegans, microbiology, fluorescence microscopy, molecular cloning, or quantitative data analysis

The successful candidate should be reliable, enthusiastic, organized, attentive to detail, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative research group.

Applicants should submit:

• A brief cover letter describing their research experience, interests, and career goals

• A curriculum vitae or résumé

• Contact information for two or three references

Please submit a cover letter with your formal application addressed to Dr. Mark Alkema

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is fille