Research Fellow - Skouta Lab
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Job no: 520894
Work type: Senior/Research Fellow (Amherst Only)
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Biology
Union: Non-Benefited
Categories: Temporary Non-Benefited, Research, College of Natural Sciences

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 Skouta research group (https://www.umass.edu/biology/about/directories/faculty/rachid-skouta) covers chemical biology, and in vivo studies. The major interest of the lab is the development of small molecule inducers of ferroptosis cell death with well-defined target(s) for cancer therapeutics. Ferroptosis is a recently emerged novel cell death that may complement the known programmed cell death (PMID: 27159577; PMID: 24592866; PMID: 35453641). We are currently seeking a highly skilled and dedicated individual to join our research team focused on studying the toxicity and efficacy of small molecules in vivo. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of novel compounds for potential therapeutic applications.

The successful candidate will be involved in the evaluation of the efficacy study of small molecules inducing ferroptosis in mice for the development of better therapeutic treatments. The appointee is expected to establish some independence in research design and execution.

Essential Functions

• In Vivo Study Design.
• Animal Handling and Care.
• Study Monitoring and in vivo Data Collection.
• Regulatory Compliance.

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 Science.

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

• Bachelor's or master's degree in biology or a related field.
• Minimum one (1) year of lab experience with mice models.
• Experience in handling and caring for laboratory animals, including proper animal welfare practices, dosing techniques, and sample collection procedures.
• Experience in monitoring studies, collecting and managing data, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in performing in vivo studies, including dose selection, route of administration.

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

• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines and requirements for conducting in vivo studies, including Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) regulations.

Physical demands/working conditions

• Manual dexterity and laboratory skills consistent with the research being performed using mice models.

Work schedule

• Monday - Friday, with flexible hours.
• Some nights and weekends are required.

Salary Information

• $37,000 - 38,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Additional Information

• This is a non-benefited position.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) references.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (http://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)

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.

Advertised: Dec 21 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: