Client- Researcher

Client-Based Researcher I

UW School of Medicine and Public Health

The Carbone Cancer Center has an opportunity for a Client-Based Researcher I position who will work with the faculty leader, Dr. Josh Lang, in the fields of Human Molecular Biology and Cellular Immunology at the UW Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC), as a member of the Circulating Biomarker Core (CBC). The focus of the CBC is to provide sample processing and analysis services to members of the UWCCC as well as the wider non-UW research community in line with the development and clinical translation of biomarkers from the circulation that can predict or detect therapeutic resistance in patients with solid tumor diseases.

Circulating biomarkers are evaluated on clinical specimens, primarily patient blood draws, through a series of sample processing steps, including ficoll density centrifugation, magnetic depletion of normal blood cells using standard MACS columns, magnetic enrichment and protein staining or nucleic acid (DNA/mRNA) extraction of metastatic tumor cells using either a customized pipetting robot or a handheld microfluidic device. Analytical systems include fluorescence microscopy image acquisition, raw image conversion into quantitative data using both automated image processing algorithms and manual review of identified objects.

Characterization of mRNA is achieved with reverse‑transcription quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR). With the ultimate goal of implementing these circulating biomarker diagnostics into clinical practice, the CBC is also actively developing the controls and analytical validation datasets required for regulatory approval.

Our team of highly cooperative researchers coordinates the receipt, processing and analysis of 10–20 patient samples each week, testing a number of different protein and nucleic acid biomarkers, for numerous different projects involving basic research and clinical trials. This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

• Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
• Prepares reports and materials and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures according to client‑based objectives and specifications
• Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
• Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
• Reviews and edits research protocols under general supervision

School of Medicine and Public Health, Carbone Cancer Center, CORE Circulating Biomarker Core:
Our mission is a commitment to defeating cancer through rapid application of groundbreaking research, prevention, and treatment. The University of Wisconsin (UW) Carbone Cancer Center has been an NCI‑Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1973. UW Carbone is an integral part of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Health, bringing together more than 330 physicians and scientists from 50 departments and nine schools to conduct research and translate laboratory discoveries into new patient treatments.

The starting salary for the position is $45,000; negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

• Previous experience in molecular biology methods, next‑generation sequencing, and immunology.
• Experience with microfluidic technologies and fluorescence microscopy, as well as a circulating tumor cell research background.
• Previous experience in flow cytometry.

Bachelor’s Degree Preferred with a focus in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or other closely related biological sciences.

To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
Cover Letter, Resume.

Applicants are to submit a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to preferred qualifications referenced…