Research Assistant 2 MS

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Position Focus

The Human Nature Lab (HNL) seeks a Research Assistant to play a key research support role in our biosocial science projects. A major new focus of our research involves the role of olfaction in the organization of social life, where we examine organic compounds emitted by humans for their relevance to interpersonal behavior. Other ongoing and planned projects involve other aspects of human volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, the relationship of the gut microbiome to sociality, and genetics/genomics and social behavior. Collection, extraction, and analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds via skin sampling, air sampling, and the use of GC/MS will constitute a significant part of the focus of this position. The position will also be responsible for cataloguing our biological specimens and maintaining appropriate records, shipping and receiving of specimens, preparing specimens for processing, and supporting extraction or other related technical duties. Duties may also include recruitment of research participants, execution of study protocols, collection of survey data and biological specimens, and preparation and organization of data and specimens. In addition to these project-specific tasks, the Research Assistant will be the primary coordinator of basic activities in the wet lab, including ordering supplies and equipment, coordinating waste removal, performing and coordinating equipment maintenance, and working with the research team to ensure compliance with EHS and other safety protocols. The technician may also coordinate wet lab activities with the HNL's broader set of social science projects, liaise with external labs for sample transfers and processing, conduct library research, and prepare reports related to research results and lab inventories.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Hands-on experience preparing materials and samples for GC/MS instrument analysis along with a working understanding of olfactory biology.

2. Proven track record of high performance in a busy wet lab environment including excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, including the ability to manage own workflow on multiple projects concurrently

3. Proven ability to work well as part of a multi-level team including research assistants, technicians, scientists and managers.

4. Ability to take a primary role in biological sample tracking and chain-of-custody documentation across concurrent studies including international shipping via courier maintaining cold chain.

5. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, including coordinating with collaborators and vendors across time zones.

6. A working understanding of olfactory biology and volatile organic compound (VOC) behavior relevant to scent-based experimental design.

7. Ability to track basic lab needs independently related to ordering supplies, submitting facilities requests, and keeping lab equipment in good working order.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Familiarity with international shipping regulations for biological or chemical samples, including IATA dangerous goods requirements, customs documentation, and import/export permits

2. Experience working as part of an international research team involving large-scale human subjects projects.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and collects data through complex laboratory/scientific experiments, techniques, and procedures; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for research projects. Interprets, synthesizes, and analyzes data using scientific or statistical techniques. 2. Modifies and plans research experiments, procedures, tests, or survey instruments. Assists in research design. Writes and edits material for publication and presentation. Reports on status of research activities. 3. Oversees and instructs research and support staff on technical procedures, equipment operation, and laboratory maintenance. Schedules and coordinates research activities. Sets up, operates, and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus. Modifies equipment according to experimental specifications. 4. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. May monitor hazardous work areas and laboratory safety. Prepares related reports. May prepare financial information and monitor budgets. 5. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities. Required Education and Experience Two years of related work experience in the same job family and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

10/12/2026

Job Category

Technician

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade D

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range

$31.83

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

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

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

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.