"Research Assistant - Medical Oncology"

Position Summary

The purpose of this position is to conduct life science research experiments under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). This position broadly will involve the study of leukocyte trafficking in the setting of tumor immunology.

We utilize in vivo tumor models to look at the effects of modulating chemokines on leukocyte migration in the setting of the tumor microenvironment. Our lab studies the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved with leukocyte trafficking in the tumor microenvironment, with a translational slant and, ultimately, the goal to produce novel immunotherapeutics that can easily and quickly be translated into the clinic. We are taking novel approaches by utilizing a number of delivery strategies (e.g., nanoparticles, viruses, fusion proteins, etc.) to target various chemoattractants to sites of tumor, using these alone and in combination with other strategies for immunomodulation.

A second focus of the lab is translational immunotherapy in prostate cancer. We are currently working closely with Dr. Robert Schreiber on the first trial of neoantigen vaccines in prostate cancer patients. Our lab will focus on analyses of all patient samples collected during this trial to query immune responses in these patients. Other projects involve patient tumor samples and understanding the tumor microenvironment and responses to immunotherapy. In collaboration with the labs of Drs. Aadel Chaudhuri, Chris Maher, and Malachi Griffith, we are utilizing ctDNA, NGS, and single cell RNAseq to understand the prostate cancer tumor immune mileu and identify predictive biomarkers for response to therapy. We have a unique prostate cancer tissue bank with hundreds of samples of tumor, matched plasma, as well as bone marrow aspirates. CyTOF and other modalities will be employed to investigate these tissues.

The candidate should have a background in molecular biology, tissue culture techniques, as well as small animal handling and tumor models. Various immunoassays (e.g., ELISAs, luminex, cytotoxicity, etc.) will be performed, and the candidate should have some experience with multi-color flow cytometry and analysis of FACS data. Immunology background is highly preferred. Other projects will also include analysis of human tissues utilizing such techniques as qPCR, Western blotting, multiplexed IHC/IF, as well as single cell RNAseq. Candidate should be able to analyze data and write up initial reports, both in manuscript and grant formats. The applicant should expect to present at weekly lab meetings and also take part in larger group lab meetings as part of our Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conducts research experiments and assays.
• Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved.
• Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
• Coordinates tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Coordinates research project with other institutions and investigators.
• Participates in developing hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
• Assists with general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Performs literature research on specified topics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Laboratory Operations (2 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Skills:

Document Research, Laboratory Processes, Scientific Research

Grade

R07-H

Salary Range

$17.10 - $29.09 / HourlyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.