Research Associate 2, MS-O'Donnell Lab

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Overview

The O’Donnell Lab studies how microbes influence animal nervous systems and behavior, using C. elegans as a model organism. Our work integrates genetics, microbiology, neurobiology, behavioral analysis, and metabolomics to understand how microbial signals alter host physiology and decision-making.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated research professional to serve as a project coordinator and senior technical resource within the laboratory. The primary focus of the Research Associate is the independent coordination of research activities across multiple concurrent projects, including management of project workflows and timelines, training and technical guidance to junior laboratory personnel and other laboratory members, and contribution to scientific reporting, data interpretation, and grant-related activities.

The Research Associate will independently develop, implement, and refine specialized experimental approaches central to the laboratory’s research program. This includes evaluating experimental progress, troubleshooting complex technical problems, ensuring consistent implementation of laboratory protocols, and serving as a technical resource for other laboratory members.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong demonstrated organizational skills with the scientific background necessary to contribute meaningfully to research direction, experimental methods, and laboratory outputs.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment
• Senior technical expertise
• Project Management capacity
• A bility to work effectively across a team of researchers at varying levels of experience.

Principal Responsibilities

• Designs, plans, implements and evaluates complex multifaceted research projects/systems, including method development, adaptation and validation. 2. Collaborates with PI to define research endeavors and the development of research hypothesis and approach. 3. Solves complex methodology, protocol, procedural and research problems through design of techniques, procedures and policies that will achieve research goals. 4. Develops long range plans for supplies and equipment to ensure smooth operation of laboratory. 5. Investigates, analyzes and evaluates complex data, data collection systems and methods to reach scientific conclusions and ensures the integrity of research data. 6. Collaborates with PI to coordinate major lab renovations working with Facilities, Health and Safety, and Purchasing to ensure deadlines, safety standards and purchases are according to plans and within budgets. 7. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports. 8. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and three years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

06/05/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Clinical & Research

Compensation Grade Profile

Research Associate 2 MS (24)

Salary Range

$68,000.00 - $120,500.00

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.