Research Associate II - Ziru Lab - MaineHealth Institute for Research

Description

MaineHealth Institute for Research

Professional - Nonclinical
Req #: 68589

Position Summary:

As a Research Associate II, you will perform a diverse range of laboratory procedures under the general supervision of Principal Investigator, Ziru Li, or her designee. This Research Associate II will conduct defined research projects with overall responsibility for inception, implementation and reporting of results in a peer-reviewed forum.

Other responsibilities include:

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  Conducting standard laboratory procedures and analyses using a variety of manual techniques and instrumentation to analyze experimental data.

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  Maintaining logs and notebooks of all work-related activity to assist in the preparation of materials for grants and manuscripts.

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  Examining animals and specimens and measuring or weighing compounds and solutions for testing.

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  Following training expectations as defined by project.

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  Collaborating and communicating with internal and external laboratory members to work effectively.

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  Responsible for laboratory ordering, overseeing and participating in lab maintenance, organizing lab activities, and assisting the PI with administrative duties, including lab safety inspections and IACUC protocol amendments and annual reviews.

The Li Laboratory at MaineHealth Institute for Research is at the forefront of metabolic bone research. Our focus lies in animal studies of bariatric surgery-induced bone loss and the cellular interactions between bone marrow adipocytes and other bone cells. Here is a sample of our current research projects:

Gastric Endocrine Functions in Skeletal Homeostasis (R01-funded project 09/01/2025-08/31/2029):Bariatric surgery-associated skeletal complications have been observed since the early 1990s, and lead to up to two-fold increase in fracture risk. The most common bariatric surgery is vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), which leads to ~3-7% bone loss at the axial skeleton after 6-24 months. Current clinical management includes bone mineral density assessments, consumption of adequate dietary calcium, vitamin D, and protein, and performance of weight-bearing exercise. These countermeasures minimize, but do not fully prevent bone loss secondary to bariatric surgery. A better mechanistic understanding of bone loss associated with bariatric surgery is necessary to properly design and evaluate preventive and therapeutic strategies. We propose that gastric hormones contribute to bariatric surgery-induced skeletal complications. My group found gastric X/A-like cells (P/D1cellin humans), a unique endocrine cell population ,contribute to the regulation of global lipid metabolism, marrow adiposity and bone formation, suggesting a stomach-bone axis. Our goals are: 1) to determine the effects of gastric X/A-like cell-derived secretory factors on VSG-induced bone loss; and 2) to identify and characterize gastric hormones from X/A-like cells that regulate skeletal homeostasis.

This position is a fully onsite role at our Scarborough, ME research facility.

Position availability is contingent upon grant funding.

Consideration of applicants for a Research Associate III role (MS degree and 6 years of directly related experience) is also possible.

Learn more about the MaineHealth Institute for Research in this short video!

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• License/Certifications: N/A
• Experience: Four years of relevant experience with a Master’s Degree or six years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree required. Demonstrates competency in all essential functions of Research Associate I role.

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Additional Information

With a career at any of the MaineHealth locations across Maine and New Hampshire, you’ll be working with health care professionals that truly value the people around them – both within the walls of the organization and the communities that surround it.

We offer benefits that support an individual's needs for today and flexibility to plan for tomorrow – programs such as paid parental leave, a flexible work policy, student loan assistance, training and education, along with well-being resources for you and your family.

MaineHealth remains focused on investing in our care team and developing an inclusive environment where you can thrive and feel supported to realize your full potential. If you’re looking to build a career in a place where people help one another deliver best-in-class care, apply today.

If you have questions about this role, please contact lauren.robare@mainehealth.org