Research Associate 1, MS

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Overview

Carries out research assignments for large or multi-faceted research projects, including independent research, experiments, and laboratory techniques. This role is responsible for the daily operation of a specialized laboratory, data analysis, and contribution to scientific protocols. The position may include working with advanced technologies and contributing to innovative solutions in clinical, health, or environmental research. These proportions are approximate and may shift somewhat from period to period depending on the needs of the laboratory.

The Lab Research Associate plays a central role in the day-to-day scientific and operational functioning of the laboratory. The position is divided across four areas: lab management and administration (20%), animal colony management (20%), the Lab Manager’s own independent research project (30%), and experimental support for other projects and lab members (30%).

Lab management and administration (20%): Responsibilities include lab ordering, procurement, and inventory management; assisting with regulatory compliance, including IACUC protocol amendments and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) requirements; onboarding and supervising students and postdocs; lab organization (including restocking, freezer maintenance, and keeping the lab space tidy and functional); coordinating collaborations; independent problem-solving; and general administrative support.

Animal colony management (20%): Responsibilities include managing the laboratory’s non-human primate colony (including breeding, maintaining accurate records, and monitoring animal health).

Research (60%): The Lab Manager will carry out a small, well-defined research project of their own under the direction of the Principal Investigator, as well as provide hands-on support for the experiments of other lab members as needed.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail. Highly responsible, dependable, and trustworthy, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.
2. Prior hands-on experience with non-human primate colony management—including handling, breeding, and record-keeping—is required.
3. Prior laboratory research experience, including familiarity with standard wet-lab techniques, extracellular electrophysiology, and adherence to laboratory safety practices and protocols.
4. Excellent attendance and punctuality, with the flexibility to occasionally work evenings and, on rare occasions, weekends to support time-sensitive experiments with fixed dates or to help resolve urgent after-hours issues.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication and record-keeping skills. A personable, collaborative team player who interacts effectively with lab members, collaborators, and external vendors.
 

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Candidates from any educational background will be considered, provided they bring relevant prior laboratory experience; a degree in neuroscience, psychology, or a related discipline is a plus but not required.
2. Prior experience in laboratory management is highly desirable. Proven experience with designing behavioral (visual, social) tasks and training non-human primates in these tasks is strongly preferred.

3. Familiarity with general laboratory operations such as ordering, procurement, inventory management, and EHS compliance is highly desirable.

4. Familiarity with imaging techniques (such as microscopy and intrinsic signal imaging) is a bonus.

5. The ideal candidate is exceptionally well-organized, proactive, and self-directed—able to anticipate the laboratory’s needs and act on them independently rather than waiting for direction—and is also personable, collaborative, and an effective communicator who enjoys working closely with others.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority. 2. Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning 3. Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly. 4. Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports. 5. Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning. 6. Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory. 7. Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments. 8. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

07/07/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Clinical & Research

Compensation Grade Profile

Research Associate 1 MS (22)

Salary Range

$61,500.00 - $91,875.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.