Careers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

General Summary of Position:

The Steinel lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at UMass Lowell has an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Technician. The Steinel lab uses the threespine stickleback fish system to study comparative (fish) immunology, B cell biology, evolution of the adaptive immune system, and host pathogen interactions. This position is ideal for a candidate seeking to obtain additional research experience prior to entering graduate school in the life/biomedical sciences, medical/dental/veterinary school, or biotech industry. We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, organized, and responsible individual to perform fish husbandry/care, manage the lab, and conduct independent research. Technicians have the opportunity to present their independent research at conferences and earn authorship on scientific papers.

The Steinel lab is a collaborative environment, and we support each other’s projects and professional development. The chosen candidate will help support and grow this inclusive environment and will be expected to work with a diverse team of scientists. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide care and oversight of the fish colony (30% time). This includes daily care, ordering, regular equipment maintenance, and ensuring compliance with IACUC. This will require occasional work on the weekends/holidays. Will assist with experimental infections and immunizations. 
• Perform research (35% time). This position will support our NIH-funded work on fish comparative immunology and host-pathogen interactions. Projects will involve stickleback husbandry, experimental infections/immunizations, cellular biology, immune assays, and/or fluorescent microscopy. An important aspect of scientific training is learning to communicate with other scientists, so participation in lab meetings and journal clubs is required. We also strongly encourage participation in campus symposia and regional meetings as schedules/funding allows. 
• Manage the lab (35% time). This includes: maintaining supplies and reagent, preparing common lab solutions, maintaining equipment, establishing lab protocols, training other lab members, mentoring students, and general lab operations. 

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, immunology, or a related field (or equivalent experience) is required, including solid performance in college-level biology and chemistry lab coursework
• Experience in a research lab setting is required
• Strong written and verbal communication is required
• Meticulous attention to detail is essential 
• Superior organizational skills in record keeping, multitasking, prioritizing responsibilities, and time management are required
• The candidate must be able to work independently, as well as part of a team of scientists 
• Enthusiasm for discovery and scientific research is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with any of the following is preferred, but not essential: fish (or other vertebrate) husbandry, histology, immunofluorescence, cell culture, flow cytometry, or bioinformatics

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This is a Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit position, Grade P12.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; however, the posting may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This position is contingent upon funding.  The ideal candidate will make a minimum commitment of two years. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Start date is Spring 2023.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.  Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.