Research Associate III

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Research Associate III

Job Category

Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)

Department

RWJ-CABM

Overview

New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research.

Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers.

Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark's University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates.

Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Research Associate III for the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine (CABM) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS).

The primary purpose of the Research Associate III is to contribute to research exploring hormone-driven interactions between the gut, brain, and body. The position involves performing technical research activities and assisting in highly specialized gut-brain studies focused on a microbial-regulated hormone, oxytocin. Projects span intestinal physiology, microbiome research, neuroscience, and psychology, aiming to understand the role of gut-derived oxytocin, its relationship to brain oxytocin, and microbial regulation of this hormone. These questions are addressed using mouse models, organoid systems, and ex vivo tissue preparations. Responsibilities include conducting experiments in mice and cell cultures, maintaining mouse colonies and tissue culture environments, and supporting specialized research projects. The Research Associate III will also contribute to lab organization, equipment and supply ordering, and serve as an active member of a collaborative research team.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• As directed, performs various research and technical operations relative to ongoing investigatory activities of the laboratory; assists in conducting specialized research for a particular phase of ongoing projects related to gut-brain research.
• Performs intestinal damage experiments and associated molecular biology assays in mice and cell culture to pursue the role of gut oxytocin in intestinal damage and repair.
• Conducts mouse behavioral experiments to evaluate the role of gut oxytocin in social and stress-related behaviors. Maintains the mouse colony and performs mouse husbandry, ear punching, and PCR-based genotyping.
• Develops and performs intestinal hormone secretion assays in tissue culture cell lines.
• In collaboration with the Mass-Spec Core, contributes to the development of a mass-spec method for measuring oxytocin.
• Assists in the conducting of a continuous program of research and development regarding the analytical and instrumentation functions of the laboratory.
• Serves as an active member of the lab by attending meetings, regularly presenting research findings and journal papers, and participating in the evaluation of the existing procedures, suggesting revisions where necessary and proposing new procedures where required.
• Maintains lab organization of space, supplies, and equipment.

FLSA

Exempt

Grade

18S

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

Mid Range Salary

Maximum Salary

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours

37.50

Daily Work Shift

Day

Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description

HPAE 5094

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Biomedical Science, Molecular, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, or a relevant science plus one (1) year of related research experience, or a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Science, Molecular, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, or a relevant science plus two (2) years of related research experience.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent sterile technique.
• Mouse handling experience, including scuffing, ear punching, IP injection, gavage, facial bleeds, perfusion.
• Experience in mouse dissection of the gut and brain.
• Must possess strong organizational and multitasking skills, along with excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Must demonstrate critical thinking and initiative when conducting and supporting research activities.
• Must have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and clean laboratory environment.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills will greatly assist in this position.
• Experience maintaining an organized laboratory environment and assisting with equipment and supply ordering.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic wet lab experience (pipetting, some molecular biology experience, media preparation).
• PCR, gel electrophoresis experience.
• Cell culture experience.

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICALDEMANDS:

Standing, sitting, walking, talking, seeing, and hearing. Manual dexterity and vision sufficient for standard laboratory operations and computer data entry and analysis. Lifting up to 25 lbs.

WORKENVIRONMENT;

Lab and animal facility environment. Universal precautions are mandatory.

Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number

25ST2459

Posting Open Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus

Piscataway (RBHS)

City

Piscataway

State

NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address:

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Master's Degree in Biomedical Science, Molecular, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, or a relevant science plus one (1) year of related research experience, or a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Science, Molecular, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, or a relevant science plus two (2) years of related research experience?
• Yes

• No

• * Do you have experience in mouse dissection of the gut and brain?

• Yes
• No

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents