Research Assistant – Genitourinary Oncology Lab

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to perform basic research functions in the field of prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma, with a focus on how host cardiometabolic health, body composition, genomics, and the androgen receptor interact to impact treatment outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas: digital pathology/image analysis (such as Visiopharm or similar platforms), Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and next-generation sequencing applications including RNA-seq or single-cell RNA-seq. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly learn new laboratory techniques. Training will be provided for areas where experience is limited, including animal research techniques.

Why Us?

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30 hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.

• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.

• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.

• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Key Functions

1. Planning and Execution of Experiments:

The employee will conduct and carry out research experiments and is required to discuss goals of projects with supervisors. Receives detailed verbal and/or written instructions on how to conduct an experiment in order to achieve the goals of the project. Verbally asks questions of supervisor and/or other laboratory personnel to clarify and obtain further information needed to prepare for and properly execute experiments.

Clear and concise verbal communication is important. The employee must possess good reading (English) and writing skills; some editing experience in scientific writing is desirable. Receives verbal and/or written instructions on the operation and maintenance of all laboratory equipment. Position will require periodic communications with vendors and other laboratory personnel to obtain technical information by talking on the telephone. Develops a step-by-step written procedure outlining the specific actions required to conduct the experiment before proceeding.

The successful candidate will exercise initiative and inventiveness in planning, executing and interpreting data obtained from experiments. Must be able to communicate results to principal investigators (PIs) and collaborators. Must have a well-developed esprit de corps and willingness to cooperate with all principals. Must have the ability to resolve, in consultation with PIs, various technical problems as they emerge that are related to experimental design and technique.

The position will require detailed, legible handwritten records of all experiments performed.

2. Histopathological data analysis:

The employee will perform analysis of histopathological data, including IHC, IF and demultiplex-IF on human and mouse tissues. Candidates with skills in using Visiopharm and QuPath are highly preferred.

3. Animal techniques:

The employee will help with animal breeding, tagging, weaning, genotyping, tissue harvesting, as well as downstream processing and analysis. The employee will be responsible for animal care, organization of the colonies, xenograft and orthotopic tumor models, manipulation of the mice including tail vein/retro-orbital/intraperitoneal/subcutaneous injections, gavage treatments, tail vein bleeds, euthanasia, necropsy, and any additional animal related work.

4. Specific tasks:

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