About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. 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, 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.

Job Summary

The Park Lab is seeking a highly motivated Research fellow to support ongoing research projects and contribute to the overall research efforts of the lab.

The Park lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms of cognitive aging, with a particular emphasis on body-to-brain communication. We utilize a variety of in vivo and in vitro models to investigate fundamental biological processes and explore potential therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive function.

As a foundational member of the lab, the Research fellow will work closely with other team members and contribute to the daily operations of the lab under the supervision of Dr. Cana Park. This position offers a collaborative and dynamic research environment, where you will have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research while supporting essential lab functions.

Essential Functions

• Order and organize lab supplies and reagents.
• Maintain mouse lines and breeding colonies.
• Conduct experiments, collect and analyze data.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. 
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Neuroscience or related field.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to take initiative and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team, with good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint. 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• 1-2 years of laboratory experience or related Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in basic molecular and cell biology techniques: media/reagent preparation, primary cell culture, gel electrophoresis, RNA purification, RT-qPCR.
• Experience in mouse handling/breeding, tissue collection, and behavioral testing.
• Training in techniques that are unfamiliar will be provided.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a lab environment.

Additional Details

• This is a temporary, non-benefited appointment.

Work Schedule

• Full time (40 hours per week).
• Typical work hours are from 9:00am - 5:00pm on weekdays. However, research activities may occasionally require outside of these weekday hours, with occasional weekend work, as part of the 40-hour work week.

Salary Information

• $32-40K, commensurate with experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.