Research Lab Tech I, Pathology

General Summary/Overview Statement

The research assistant has a key role in identifying therapeutic strategies in pediatric and adult cancers. Previous studies by the lab have led to FDA approval of many new drugs for cancer.

The research assistant will juxtapose genomic, protein (immunoblotting), and drug-response studies from cell cultures and mouse models to identify drugs that target essential biologic features in several types of cancer.

The research assistant will also help develop novel, high-throughput, techniques that allow potential cancer drugs to be evaluated more efficiently than has been previously possible. Ideally, the research assistant will look forward to preparing manuscripts for publication in high-impact science and medicine journals, so strong writing ability is a plus.

Likewise, would look forward to helping the PI and others in the lab coordinate national NIH-funded research programs in this field. Perfect opportunity for someone planning to attend medical or graduate school in 2-3 years!

This laboratory is primarily interested in the biology and therapeutics of cancer.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1.Contributes to genomic and proteomic screens to identify novel therapeutic targets in human cancer. Performs tumor cell cultures and evaluates effects of treating tumor cultures and mouse models with novel therapies. Carries out genomic (DNA, RNA) analyses by high-throughput sequencing, protein analyses by immunoblotting, and drug response assays.

2.Records data, summarizes and analyzes results using basic statistics.

3.Reports on progress of work at weekly laboratory seminars.

4.Assists in preparing laboratory reagents and chemicals.

5.Functions as a key team member in preparing high-impact publications.

6.Helps train new research assistants and postdoctoral fellows in standard methods of molecular biology.

7.Helps the PI and others in the lab coordinate national research programs.

8.Maintains established departmental policies, procedures and objectives, including the areas of quality assurance, safety, environmental affairs and infection control.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in a biological/physical science required.

Some laboratory experience is a plus, although our lab has wonderful mentorship in teaching new lab members techniques they are unfamiliar with. Undergraduate coursework or projects will also be considered as appropriate experience and may be credited upon hire if project(s) used methods relevant to our lab research.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required

Ability to carry out procedures in a coordinated multi-step manner with appropriate consultation.

Ability to methodically record data and to analyze data using basic statistics.

Ability to contribute to manuscript drafts.

Ability to prioritize work.

Working Conditions

Normal laboratory environment. Lab contains approximately 8 workers, including post-doctoral fellows, residents, and technicians.

Occasional processing of human blood and tissues, e.g. for DNA and protein preparations. Minimal risk when established protocols are followed.