Smith College Hiring for Research Associate at Smith College Full Time

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].Provost/Dean of FacultyJob Description

Job Summary

Under the direction of Smith College Principal Investigators (PIs) Sarah Moore (Engineering and Biological Sciences) and Maren Buck (Chemistry), the Research Associate will provide operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate will perform research experiments in support of an NIH-funded research grant. The main goal of the research is to engineer proteins and protein conjugates, including protein-polymer conjugates, for targeted therapy and drug delivery applications, in the context of cancer and other complex diseases.The Research Associate will work in a multidisciplinary team with undergraduate researchers and senior research personnel. This position is a great opportunity for someone wanting additional research experience upon completion of a bachelor’s degree and before applying to graduate or medical school programs. The position is funded for up to 3 years.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Conduct Research (50%)

• Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project.

• Utilize all software relevant to experiments and equipment used.

• Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations.

• Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps under the mentorship of the PIs.

• Maintain accurate records and document modifications to protocols.

• Review publications and grants relevant to assigned projects.

• Present findings at research group meetings.

• May assist with drafting research manuscripts

Contribute to lab management (50%)

• 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.

• Perform other related duties as required to support the research of the lab.

• May assist with training new laboratory personnel, including undergraduate research students.

Other Functions

All employees are expected to participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Biological Science, Chemistry, or related field.

• At least one year of experience working in an experimental research environment, which can include summer research and part-time undergraduate research experience.

• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following techniques that will be used in the research: sterile technique; recombinant DNA technology; protein expression and purification; protein and DNA gel analysis; HPLC; size exclusion chromatography; work with microbial cultures; tissue culture of mammalian cell lines; flow cytometry; polymer synthesis; bioconjugate chemistry; confocal microscopy; IR and NMR spectroscopy; mass spectrometry.

Skills

• Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols.

• Ability to design and conduct experiments.

• Ability to analyze data.

• Ability to communicate research findings.

• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.

Additional Information

For the care and safety of our community, Smith College requires that all employees be vaccinated as a condition of employment and as such, the incumbent will be required to be immunized against COVID-19 on or before their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination status will be required. Individuals may seek medical or religious exemption with HR, but must do so prior to their arrival.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.Review of applications will beginDecember 18, 2023Compensation Grade:Grade X Non-exemptPosition Type:Fixed Term

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.