Research Assistant 3

About the position

Working under limited supervision, coordinate lab research activities and carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. The research focuses on identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying esophageal and colorectal cancers, including testing of therapeutic compounds in pre-clinical animal models. This position will work with mice and human tissue.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Manage the care, maintenance, breeding, weaning, genotyping and studying custom transgenic/ xenograft animal models of colon and esophageal cancer.
• Working closely with the principal investigator, develop genetically engineered mouse models of colon and esophageal cancer. Generate Xenograft and Patient derived Xenograft (PDx) colon/esophageal tumor models in immune deficient mice, derived from cancer cell lines and/or freshly obtained patient biopsies.
• Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Formulate custom drug/chemical compounds and treatment of animals via intraperitoneal, intravenous, oral gavage, subcutaneous, or through diet/water. Obtain time-course measurements as appropriate.
• Dissect and isolate organs/tissues for subsequent cold storage and/or formalin fixation. Extract DNA/RNA/Protein from animal tissues for subsequent molecular studies.
• Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Amend and/or update animal protocols and procedures as appropriate.
• Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Ensure that the new techniques provide reproducibility and consistency and that the new procedures are efficient to and provides improvement to the research.
• Coordinate laboratory/research activities, including maintaining detailed descriptions of experimental methods/protocols, inventorying all samples stored in repository and documenting the data on a routine basis.
• May monitor the laboratory budget which may include but not limited to expense tracking, forecasting, grant management, cost benefit, reporting and compliance.
• May co-author research projects and assist with grant proposals and manuscripts related to animal research as appropriate.

Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of related experience required.
• Bachelor of Science degree in any biological sciences related field required.
• Must have basic knowledge in animal genetics and prior work experience with xenograft and genetically engineered mouse models.
• Proficiency in animal care, handling, breeding, maintenance, and genotyping.
• Prior experience in dissection and isolation of organs/tissues from mice.
• Proficiency in extraction of DNA/RNA/Protein from animal tissues and experience with routine techniques such as PCR and Western Blot.
• Must have basic computer skills (including use of MS Word, Excel) for data entry and record keeping.
• Must have strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Must demonstrate flexibility and willing to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines.
• Must demonstrate compliance with university animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures.
• Must demonstrate compassion for animals within university facilities.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience working with animals preferred.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students.

Benefits

• Excellent healthcare
• Retirement plans
• Tuition assistance
• Paid time off
• Winter recess