Research Associate 2, MS-O'Donnell Lab

Overview

The O’Donnell Lab studies how microbes influence animal nervous systems and behavior, using C. elegans as a model organism. Our work integrates genetics, microbiology, neurobiology, behavioral analysis, and metabolomics to understand how microbial signals alter host physiology and decision-making.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated research professional to serve as a project coordinator and senior technical resource within the laboratory. The primary focus of the Research Associate is the independent coordination of research activities across multiple concurrent projects, including management of project workflows and timelines, training and technical guidance to junior laboratory personnel and other laboratory members, and contribution to scientific reporting, data interpretation, and grant-related activities.

The Research Associate will independently develop, implement, and refine specialized experimental approaches central to the laboratory’s research program. This includes evaluating experimental progress, troubleshooting complex technical problems, ensuring consistent implementation of laboratory protocols, and serving as a technical resource for other laboratory members.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Strong demonstrated organizational skills with the scientific background necessary to contribute meaningfully to research direction, experimental methods, and laboratory outputs.
2. Ability to exercise independent judgment
3. Senior technical expertise
4. Project Management capacity
5. Ability to work effectively across a team of researchers at varying levels of experience.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Designs, plans, implements and evaluates complex multifaceted research projects/systems, including method development, adaptation and validation.
2. Collaborates with PI to define research endeavors and the development of research hypothesis and approach.
3. Solves complex methodology, protocol, procedural and research problems through design of techniques, procedures and policies that will achieve research goals.
4. Develops long range plans for supplies and equipment to ensure smooth operation of laboratory.
5. Investigates, analyzes and evaluates complex data, data collection systems and methods to reach scientific conclusions and ensures the integrity of research data.
6. Collaborates with PI to coordinate major lab renovations working with Facilities, Health and Safety, and Purchasing to ensure deadlines, safety standards and purchases are according to plans and within budgets.
7. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports.
8. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and three years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.