Breast Cancer Research Assistant – Cell & Molecular Physiology

Overview The Di Martino laboratory in the Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology at New York Medical College is seeking a motivated part-time Laboratory Assistant to support studies focused on breast cancer dormancy, tumor cell signaling, receptor trafficking, and metastatic recurrence. The position is well-suited for a candidate who is currently completing a master's degree or already holds one and is interested in gaining additional hands‑on research experience in an academic laboratory.

The laboratory assistant will assist with routine laboratory operations and bench experiments under the supervision of Dr. Di Martino. The ideal candidate is organized, reliable, detail-oriented, a team player, and able to maintain accurate experimental records. Previous bench experience is strongly preferred.

• Assist with routine mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of breast cancer cell lines, media preparation, passaging, counting, treatment setup, and sample collection.
• Support molecular and cell biology experiments, which may include protein extraction, western blot sample preparation, immunofluorescence staining, microscopy‑based assays, receptor trafficking assays, proliferation assays, and related experimental workflows.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, stock solutions, and laboratory materials according to established protocols.
• Maintain organized laboratory notebooks and digital records, including experiment dates, conditions, sample identifiers, reagent details, and file locations for raw and processed data.
• Assist with data organization, basic image/data analysis, and preparation of figures or summaries for internal laboratory review.
• Maintain sterile technique and follow institutional biosafety, chemical safety, and laboratory compliance procedures.
• Help manage laboratory organization, including inventory, ordering requests, receiving supplies, aliquoting reagents, freezer organization, and general bench upkeep.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and communicate progress, experimental issues, and troubleshooting needs in a timely and professional manner.
• Perform other lab‑related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor degree in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field is required.
• Current enrollment in a master's degree program in a relevant biomedical science field, or completion of a master's degree, is preferred.
• Previous hands‑on bench research experience is strongly preferred, especially experience with mammalian cell culture, sterile technique, western blotting, immunofluorescence, microscopy, molecular biology, or protein‑based assays.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and ability to follow written protocols accurately are required.
• Ability to work independently after training while also functioning well as part of a small research team.
• Basic computer skills are required, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and routine data/file organization.
• Interest in cancer biology, breast cancer research, cell signaling, receptor trafficking, or metastasis biology is preferred.
• Prior experience with image analysis, Graph Pad Prism, FIJI/ImageJ, or similar analysis software is beneficial but not required.
• The candidate must be able to commit to a consistent part-time schedule to be determined with the PI based on laboratory needs and course schedule, if applicable.

• Work is performed primarily in a biomedical research laboratory environment.
• The position requires standing or sitting for extended periods, working at a laboratory bench, using a biosafety cabinet, microscope, centrifuge, pipettes, and standard laboratory equipment.
• The position may require handling biological samples, cell culture materials, chemicals, and laboratory reagents in accordance with institutional safety procedures.
• The position may require lifting or moving laboratory supplies up to approximately 25 pounds.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment is required, including laboratory coat, gloves, and eye protection when applicable.
• The candidate must complete all required institutional laboratory safety and compliance training before performing applicable duties.

USD $17.00/Hr.

USD $19.00/Hr.