Research Associate, Clinical Research, Research Scientist

Position: Research Associate - Open Rank (2026-49870)
Research Associate - Open Rank

Job Number:

Category:
Research

Location:

Worcester, MA

Shift: Day

Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Exempt

Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School

Department:
School - RNA Therapeutics Institute - W405400

Job Type: Full-Time

Union Code:
Non Union Position
-W60
- Non Unit Professional

Num. Openings: 1

Post Date:
May 8, 2026

Work Location:

Hybrid

Salary Minimum: USD $40,000.00/Yr.

Salary Maximum: USD $73,000.00/Yr.

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.

Planning and execution of animal studies in accordance with IACUC protocols. SC, IP, retro-orbital injections, ICV stereotaxic injections, perfusion techniques, humane euthanasia, tissue harvesting, training of procedures to new personnel. Maintenance of all animal records.

Responsible for maintaining mouse colonies - able to restrain, tag/notch mice, breeding, weaning, genotyping by PCR, qPCR.

The Watts Lab is making a new generation of oligonucleotide tools and therapeutics by working at the interface of chemistry and biology, including gene silencing, gene activation, and genome editing.

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,…