Assistant Specialist - Lucchesi Lab

The Department of Urologic Surgery at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full-time Specialist at the Assistant rank in 3D tumor modeling and translational GU cancer research.

The Lucchesi Lab is focused on the development and optimization of patient-derived, 3D-bioprinted tumor models to investigate immune checkpoint inhibitor responses in GU cancers. The Specialist will contribute to research projects by supporting the bioprinting, culture, and therapeutic testing of GU tumoroids incorporating autologous immune components. This position requires specialized expertise in tissue engineering, cell culture, and translational oncology, with an emphasis on ex vivo model development and functional drug screening.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs.

Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

• I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
  • A. Contributes to multiple ongoing translational GU research projects, including the development of 3D-bioprinted tumoroid models incorporating autologous immune components.
    • i. Leads efforts in characterization of patient-derived tissues and tumoroid constructs, performing and interpreting multiplex assays to assess tumor morphology, stromal interactions, and immune infiltration.
    • ii. Contributes to the experimental design and optimization of ex vivo assays measuring immune response to checkpoint inhibitors and other therapeutic agents. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the incumbent will provide technical guidance in tumor–immune modeling and support integration of histologic findings with cytokine profiling, flow cytometry, and single-cell transcriptomic data.
  • B. Plays a central role in studies evaluating the anti-cancer efficacy of Nimbolide in preclinical bladder cancer models.
    • i. Oversees the preparation and treatment of 3D-bioprinted patient-derived tumoroids with Nimbolide and is responsible for histological and molecular assessments of treatment response. This includes quantifying tumor cell death, immune activation, and stromal remodeling following treatment using a combination of histopathology, multiplex immunostaining, and biomarker analysis.
  • C. Engages in efforts to characterize the role of ANGEL2, a mitochondrial protein implicated in cancer progression and immune evasion.
    • ii. Leads the validation and expression profiling of ANGEL2 across bladder cancer specimens and tumoroid models, investigating its association with immunogenicity, TME remodeling, and response to therapy.
• II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
  • A. Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts and figures for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Participates in internal and external presentations to academic audiences and scientific societies.
  • B. Assist in the development and review of research proposals related to bladder cancer modeling, immune profiling, and tumor histopathology.
• III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
  • A. Engages with UC Davis core facilities and research support units (e.g., pathology, imaging, and flow cytometry cores) to enhance project outcomes and strengthen collaborative networks. Collaborates with relevant clinical and research personnel to support institutional research goals.
  • B. Participates in committee and departmental activities, including mentorship and technical training of junior…