Senior Research Associate

Description

Date: January 2025

Title: Senior Research Associate

Department: SOE Biomedical Engineering

School: Medicine

Location: Wolstein Research Building

Supervisor Name and Title: Mei Zhang, Assistant Professor

 

 

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Dr. Zhang’s laboratory focuses on applying multi-omics analysis (metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics) to understand host-microbe interactions and develop immunotherapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases. The Senior Research Associate will conduct cutting-edge research in the field of multi-omnic analysis of fungal cell samples. Under the guidance of the PI, the Senior Research Associate is expected to work independently, design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, supervise students, manage animal models, and carry out research activities of an assigned project through completion. The Senior Research Associate will develop and optimize protocols for sequencing, metabolite analysis, and protein isolation and purification. The Senior Research Associate will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design. The Senior Research Associate will also present data and findings at lab and scientific meetings, seminars, etc., prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.  

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Plan, design, and execute experiments involving short- and long-read sequencing of cells, FACS and cytokine assays. Assist with and coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Perform metabolite analysis using advanced analytical techniques under the guidance of the PI. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Isolate and purify proteins from cells for downstream applications. Under the PI’s guidance, develop and optimize protocols for multi-omic analyses. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. (50%)

2. Mentor and train junior lab staff and PhD candidates in laboratory techniques and data analysis; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate training for lab members with EHS and others, as needed. (10%)

3. Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members. Present data and findings at internal laboratory meetings and external conferences, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. (25%)

4. In the absence of the PI, may supervise laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians, postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students. Supervise the research and technical work performed by other lab members, ensuring proper lab procedures are followed, and their safety, and ensuring adequate resources are provided for lab work. (5%)

5. Operate laboratory equipment such as Automated Microscope, Nanopore long read Sequencing. Assist other lab members with general lab maintenance and help oversee and maintain inventory of scientific reagents. (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assist in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and ordering of supplies (2%)

2. Participate in outreach activities and community engagement related to the research (1%)

3. Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the laboratory (1%)

4. Support administrative tasks related to project management and reporting (1%)

 

CONTACTS 

Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional