Research Fellow - Interface of Parasitology & Vascular Biology

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

Research lab at the interface of parasitology and vascular biology seeks an enthusiastic and motivated Research Fellow to help advance ongoing research projects and to support the general research efforts of the lab.

The Dankwa Lab is focused on understanding the molecular basis of severe malaria pathogenesis. The lab employs a range of cellular and molecular biology approaches as well as machine learning tools to study the interaction of Plasmodium falciparum parasites with host cells in order to uncover disease mechanisms and opportunities to counter them. The Research Fellow will work closely with other lab members, under the supervision of Dr. Selasi Dankwa, to provide general research support and as a key player in ongoing research projects in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Essential Functions

• Maintain primary cell lines and parasite cultures.
• Conduct experiments with malaria parasites and primary cell lines.
• Collect, analyze and present data.
• Prepare media and reagents.
• Order and organize lab supplies and reagents.

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

• B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or related field.
• 1-2 years of laboratory experience or related Masters degree preferred.
• Ability to work independently and also collaboratively as part of a research team, with good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Possess excellent organizational skills, ability to take initiative and willingness to learn.

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

• Experience in basic molecular and cell biology techniques: media/reagent preparation, primary cell culture, gel electrophoresis, RNA purification, RT-qPCR.
• Experience in microbiology techniques: sterile technique, culturing of microbes (parasites, bacteria).
• Experience in fluorescence/confocal microscopy.
• Training in techniques that are unfamiliar to the Research Fellow will be provided.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a lab environment.

Work Schedule

• Full time (40 hours per week).
• Typical work hours are from 8:30am - 5:00pm on weekdays. However, research activities may sometimes be required 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, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

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.