Research Associate, Cancer Biology & Bioinformatics, Kasper Lab Department of Environmental & Pub

Job Overview

One full‑time staff position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Susan Kasper in the Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati.

The Kasper Laboratory integrates human primary cancer cell culture, cancer stem cell biology, mouse xenograft models, and extracellular vesicle studies in collaboration with Dr. Somchai Chutipongtanate, using multi‑omic technologies and bioinformatics to investigate mechanisms of prostate cancer progression and metastasis. The focus is on mechanisms that drive cancer cell growth and metastasis, particularly tumor‑microenvironment interactions mediated by extracellular vesicles, and establishing prognostic and predictive biomarkers of metastasis.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly self‑motivated candidate who can work independently and cooperatively as part of a team. Candidates with a strong background in cancer biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics are encouraged to apply.

• Significant skills in assays for flow cytometry, Image Stream, bioassays, cellular transfections, and primary cell culture from clinical biopsy samples.
• Bioinformatics expertise including single‑cell or spatial sequencing analyses.
• Manage and maintain lab supplies and laboratory equipment, coordinating with service technicians when necessary.
• Supervise high school, undergraduate, and medical students and their projects.
• Experience in using mouse models for cancer research projects, including injection, imaging, and harvesting.

• BS in biology, or a closely related field.

• Processing clinical samples, submitting and adjusting IACUC or IRB protocols, and managing mouse models for experiments.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience training new research assistants, graduate students, and fellows.

• Sitting – continuously.
• Repetitive hand motion (typing) – often.
• Hearing, listening – often.
• Talking – often.
• Standing – often.
• Walking – often.
• Bending – often.
• Stooping – often.
• Kneeling, squatting – seldom.
• Lifting – up to 20 pounds – often.
• Noise level may require speaking above ambient noise.
• Hazards include proximity to moving machinery, electrical current, exposure to chemicals, and working at heights or on scaffolding.
• Atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation may affect the respiratory system.

Compensation is competitive and based on experience.

• Comprehensive tuition remission for you and eligible dependents.
• Robust retirement plans: OPERS, STRS, or Alternative Retirement Plan with UC contributing 14–18% of salary.
• Generous time‑off policy including vacation, sick time, 11 paid holidays, additional end‑of‑year paid time off, and 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription).
• Flexible spending accounts and wellness programs.
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities.

Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.