Research Associate, Clinical Research, Research Scientist

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we strive to be the leader in understanding the complexity of cancer and applying these insights to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Our diverse team of over 9,000 are dedicated to serving our patients and creating a workspace where every individual is recognized and appreciated. For this reason, Moffitt has been recognized on the 2023 Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers and America’s Best Employers for Women, Computerworld magazine’s list of 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology, Diversity Inc Top Hospitals & Health Systems and continually named one of the Tampa Bay Time’s Top Workplace.

Additionally, Moffitt is proud to have earned the prestigious Magnet® designation in recognition of its nursing excellence. Moffitt is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, and the leading cancer hospital in both Florida and the Southeast. We are a top 10 nationally ranked cancer center by Newsweek and have been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999.

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Join our committed team and help shape the future we envision.

The laboratory directed by Principal Investigator, Megan Hitchins, Ph.D, focuses on the identification of genetic and epigenetic causes of cancer, primarily colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal cancer, monitoring for recurrence, and responses to treatment. In NIH/NCI-funded research, Dr. Hitchins’ lab studies the role and inheritance of constitutional methylation (or “epimutation”) in cancer predisposition and has identified DNA methylation-based biomarkers of colorectal cancer that are undergoing patient-based testing for the detection of circulating tumor DNA in blood plasma.

Other areas of interest are the etiological causes of early age-of-onset CRC and CRC metastasis, for which Dr. Hitchins’ lab applies next-generation sequencing and single-cell analyses.

• It provides technical and analytical support for various research programs across all Moffitt divisions and may have administrative and training responsibilities, as assigned.
• The role works under the general supervision of a Principal Investigator (Pl) and may work as part of a team under the direct supervision of more senior lab personnel.
• The Research Associate I participates in the planning, development, and implementation of original experimental procedures within the overall scope of the project.

• Safe and careful handling of patient specimens, sterile cell culture, genomic DNA, cell-free DNA, RNA, and protein extractions, spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, bisulfite-conversion of DNA, reverse transcription, PCR, real-time PCR, RT-PCR, droplet digital PCR, gel electrophoresis, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), next-generation sequencing library preparation, Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing, bacterial cloning, plasmid DNA extractions, CRISPR/Cas-engineering. On-site training will be provided as needed.

• Oligonucleotide (primer) design, basic sequence analyses (Chromas, alignments), familiarity with Lab Archives, Excel, Word, Endnote, PowerPoint, UCSC Human Genome Database interrogation.

• Attention to detail, strong organization and documentation skills, efficient time management, ability to prioritize tasks, and ability to work as part of a team will be essential for this role.

• Hands-on research experience, maintain laboratory equipment in a clean working order, including performing instrument standardization documented by written report.
• Responsible for the preparation of tissues and samples for study under appropriate supervision.
• Keep current with lab trends and techniques.
• Follow infection control techniques, for preparation, handling and disposal of all samples.
• Collect, annotate, and permanently record raw experimental data and document findings in a timely manner accessible to others on the…