Research Scientist, PVLSI

Research Scientist

Advance Discovery. Lead Research Excellence. Build a Culture of Safety.

Bring science and operational leadership together to advance the future of patient-centered research.

Baystate Health is seeking a Research Scientist to advance innovative biomedical research while supporting the operational excellence and safety of our research environment. In this unique role, you'll work collaboratively with the Core Director (Principal Investigator) of the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute and the Manager of the Baystate Research Facility & Office of Research Operations, contributing to cutting-edge translational research, tissue banking, experimental design, data analysis, regulatory activities, as well as supervising laboratory operations, compliance and safety.

Responsibilities:
The Research Scientist combines advanced biomedical research with laboratory operational leadership—supporting innovative translational research while ensuring our research environments meet the highest standards for safety, compliance, and quality.

You'll have the opportunity to work alongside investigators across Baystate Health and academic partners, contribute to tissue procurement and banking, experimental design, molecular analysis, regulatory submissions, data interpretation, manuscripts, and grant development. At the same time, you'll provide critical leadership for laboratory safety and compliance programs, helping researchers work safely, responsibly, and effectively.

Lead Biomedical Research & Innovation

• Support and conduct biomedical research aligned with institutional priorities and the mission of the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute.
• Participate in tissue procurement activities, including on-call support for collection, culture, processing, and banking of human tissue.
• Ensure appropriate handling, documentation, storage, and preservation of tissue specimens.
• Perform molecular analyses, including RNA/DNA isolation and PCR from tissues and cultures.
• Design, develop, and validate innovative methods and protocols for tissue and cell collection, propagation, and research applications.
• Develop and maintain an organized, searchable tissue bank registry and database.
• Write and support IRB protocols, research procedures, and regulatory submissions.
• Review and interpret scientific literature and published research to inform experimental approaches.
• Design experiments, analyze data, and prepare findings for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.
• Collaborate with Baystate Health investigators, UMass and other academic partners, and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Support and expand the capabilities of the Histology Core through innovative techniques, technologies, and research methodologies.
• Train and mentor scientists, technicians, and other laboratory personnel in specialized research techniques.
• Provide supervision and guidance to technical staff related to histology, laboratory documentation, safety, and laboratory operations.

Lead Laboratory Operations, Compliance & Safety

• Serve as a key resource and subject matter expert for laboratory safety, compliance, and risk management.
• Conduct laboratory inspections, compliance reviews, and hazard assessments and provide timely reports and recommendations.
• Monitor corrective actions and help research teams address identified safety and compliance concerns.
• Support proper monitoring of system alarms and respond to laboratory-related alarms during off-hours when needed.
• Develop and deliver training related to biological, chemical, physical, and general laboratory safety, hazardous materials shipping, and other specialized safety topics.
• Support onboarding and training for new employees, students, volunteers, and laboratory personnel.
• Provide specialized equipment training, including microscopy and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Develop, update, and maintain policies, procedures, guidelines, and SOPs related to laboratory operations and biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
• Assist with the response, investigation, and follow-up of laboratory accidents, incidents, and exposures.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory repairs, engineering…