Title: Research Fellow - O'Neil Lab

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The O'Neil Lab Research Fellow will work closely with PI and other lab members to support the general research efforts of the lab and as a key player in starting projects in a collaborative and fast-paced research environment. The lab is broadly interested in understanding the developmental trajectory of the bipotential gonad into either the ovary (egg-producing organ) or testis (sperm-producing organ). The lab applies a combination of molecular and cell biology techniques to interrogate this biological problem using mouse models.

Essential Functions

Management of the lab's mouse colony (genotyping, colony maintenance).

Assay optimization and performance of common lab assays and experiments.

Dissections and tissue collection.

Ordering and organization of lab supplies and reagents.

Preparation of media and reagents for experiments.

Data organization and analysis.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
 
Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, or other related fields.

12-18 months of laboratory experience or related Masters degree preferred.

Excellent organizational and prioritization skills. Ability to work independently and take ownership of experiments.

Ability to work as part of a research team with good interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability and willingness to work with mouse models

Experience maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks and records, data collection, and analysis.

Proficient computer skills for data entry, word processing, spreadsheets and data analysis (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in animal model techniques: handling/genotyping mice, administration of anesthesia, weaning and mouse colony management, tissue dissection and collection

Experience in molecular and cell biology techniques: reagent preparation, cell culture, DNA/RNA purification, RT-qPCR, western blots or similar assays

Additional Details

Enthusiasm, organization, and initiative are essential to learn new methods. Training in cell biology and molecular biology techniques that are unfamiliar to the candidate will be provided.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, 40 hours per week and may have to be altered occasionally to accommodate timing of experiments and other factors.

Salary Information

$36,000 - $50,000 and benefitted.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.