Research Associate

Position Summary

The Lessard Laboratory at the Center for Exercise Medicine Research (CEMR) within the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to contribute to ongoing laboratory studies in exercise physiology, metabolism, nutrition, and diabetes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee experimental protocols, including tissue culture systems, mouse husbandry, and molecular biology assays.
• Conduct research activities related to exercise physiology, metabolism, and diabetes.
• Perform data management, analysis, and interpretation.
• Maintain laboratory organization, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Train and supervise new research staff, graduate students, and undergraduate interns.
• Participate in scientific publications and collaborative research discussions.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Biology, Health Sciences, Biochemistry, Exercise Physiology, or a related field.
• Proven research and laboratory management experience.
• Demonstrated organizational and communication skills.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and tissue culture systems.
• Working knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology methods.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment with multiple ongoing projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising undergraduate or graduate research students.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting, PCR, and immunofluorescence.
• Experience with live mouse handling and metabolic testing (e.g., glucose tolerance tests, indirect calorimetry, body composition measurement, and exercise testing).
• Familiarity with exercise physiology, metabolic, or diabetes research.