The Fritz-Laylin Laboratory is looking for a Research Specialist to join their lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Organismal diversity, essential to life as we know it, relies on variability in cell form and function. The Fritz-Laylin laboratory studies the evolution and diversification of the cytoskeleton, an internal scaffolding system that varies wildly among cell types and species, leading to diversity at the organismal level. This work requires understanding the cytoskeletal biology of diverse species, including those from unexplored parts of the tree of life. The Fritz-Laylin lab develops genetic tools to study the cytoskeletal biology of historically neglected lineages, focusing on organisms that occupy pivotal evolutionary positions, exhibit remarkable cytoskeletal biology, and are important for human health and global ecology. To support this work, the lab is seeking a microscopist fluent in transmitted and fluorescence light microscopy and data analysis. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://www.fritzlaylinlab.org/
A major aspect of the position will be to meet regularly with lab members and help them design microscopy experiments and implement image analysis protocols and pipelines, including strong proficiency in image analysis using at least one of the following:
- ImageJ/FIJI
- Cell Profiler
- Python
- MatLab
What we provide:
A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
A research environment focused on skill development for all lab members. Dr. Fritz-Laylin is committed to helping all lab members build the skills needed to achieve their long-term career goals. Such skills include biological knowledge, technical and analytical methods, project management, as well as science communication in the form of oral presentations, scientific publication, and grant writing. Dr. Fritz-Laylin meets with lab members weekly to discuss research progress and training needs.
The opportunity to join the University of Massachusetts Amherst Community. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition to being the Commonwealth's flagship campus and a nationally ranked public research university, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
What you’ll do:
Maintain all microscope equipment including day-to-day maintenance, as well as interfacing with company reps for larger repairs as needed.
Maintain computers associated with microscopes as well as image-processing computers.
Maintain image acquisition and analysis software.
Demo new microscope equipment and help the lab decide which new equipment to purchase to extend our capabilities to possibly include: TIRF microscopy, upgraded spinning disc confocal microscopy, light sheet and/or scanning confocal microscope, FRAP/photoactivation capabilities.
Draft and edit methods and results sections of papers.
Train lab members on the use of microscopes and help them to troubleshoot imaging experiments. To this end, the candidate should be proficient in the following imaging modalities: confocal microscopy, widefield epifluorescence, DIC, phase, darkfield, TIRF, IRM/RICM.
What you bring:
Master of Science degree in an appropriate field of science or technology, PhD preferred.
One year of experience as a Research Specialist I or equivalent (Five years of related work experience).
Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaborative ability as well as independent thought.
Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with diverse populations.
Ability to monitor the performance of others and identify areas where additional training can further research goals.
Ability to develop innovative processes to achieve goals. Directs others to develop essential tasks. Reviews work activities to determine where new information could improve processes or move projects forward.
Ability to write and prepare reports or manuscripts for presentation to large audiences.
Physical Requirements:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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