Availability awaiting confirmation
We are waiting for a fresh update from the source. This page preserves the last received job details; current availability is not confirmed.
Job description
Research Associate - Open Rank
Minimum Salary
US-MA-Worcester
Job Location
1 week ago(9/25/2026 2:31 PM)
Requisition Number
# of Openings
1
Posted Date
Day
Shift
Exempt
Exempt/Non-Exempt Status
Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Union Code
Non Union Position - Non Unit Professional (W60)
Position Type
Full-Time
Min
USD $40,000.00/Yr.
Max
USD $73,000.00/Yr.
Overview
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate will perform research experiments as defined by the PI.
This is an open-rank posting (there are 4 levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.
Applications are invited for a Research Associate (open rank) position at The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at UMass Chan Medical School. The RA will work on multiple projects under the direction of PI's Dr. Sarabeth Broder-Fingert and Dr. Kyle Frost, and in collaboration with other faculty within the Shriver Center.
This position includes work on projects related to NIH- and industry-sponsored research. The RA will support on projects relating to early development and early identification of children with developmental disabilities, health systems and service access, and implementation of parent coaching/NDBIs in early autism services. Projects involve cross-site collaboration and working closely with research and community partners at other institutions. Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish are especially encouraged to apply.
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center is dedicated to understanding and improving the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or behavioral health disorders and to supporting their families. The Shriver Center's comprehensive experience and expertise have established it as an international leader, devoted to supporting the full participation of people with disabilities in community life through:
Conducting research
Delivering unique and innovative educational programs
Developing leaders who will shape future research, training, and services in the disability field
Offering programs and services that are inclusive, person- and family-centered, culturally competent, evidence-based, and responsive to community needs; and
Partnering with local and national agencies and organizations.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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 regulation 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, implement appropriate solutions.
Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to 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.
Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
May assist with drafting manuscript sessions.
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:
This position will contribute significantly to the management of the research program and will 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.
Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
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 operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
Train on IACUC, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
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.
Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Research Associate I
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.
Research Associate II
Requirements noted for RA I plus:
18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 0 years with a related Master's Degree.
Research Associate III
Requirements noted for RA I plus:
3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Master's Degree
Research Associate IV
Requirements noted for RA I plus:
5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Master's degree.
Additional Information
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with database development and management
Comfortable interfacing with families, caregivers, and professionals in the context of recruitment and data collection
Demonstrated organizational skills and independent problem solving
Interest in developmental disabilities and health equity
Bilingual in English/Spanish
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.