Research Specialist II_Cancer Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics; PKPD) Core

Position: Research Specialist II_Cancer Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PKPD) Core
Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt employs some of the best and brightest minds from around the world. Join a dedicated team of nearly 11,000 who are shaping the future we envision. Moffitt has been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation and is continually named one of the Tampa Bay Times’ Top Workplaces.

Summary Research Specialist  Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PKPD) Core Position Highlights The Cancer Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PKPD) Core at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute provides comprehensive pharmacodynamic services that support translational research, drug development, and early-phase clinical investigations. The Core performs cell-based drug response studies, immunoassays, biomarker analyses, sample processing, and cellular enrichment services utilizing advanced analytical and automation platforms.

The Research Specialist II (RSII) will independently perform and optimize pharmacodynamic assays using preclinical and clinical specimens. This position is responsible for executing complex laboratory procedures, troubleshooting assay performance, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and supporting Core customers throughout study execution.

The Ideal Candidate Demonstrated experience performing cell-based drug response assays in 96-, 384-, and/or high-throughput screening formats.

Strong knowledge of mammalian cell culture techniques, including routine maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and assay preparation.

Experience performing viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis assays using platforms such as Cell Titer-Blue, Cell Titer-Glo, Multi Tox-Fluor, Caspase-Glo, or similar technologies.

Experience performing immunological and biochemical assays, including ELISA, multiplex immunoassays, and Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platforms.

Experience with nucleic acid extraction, purification, quantification, and reverse transcription workflows.

Knowledge of PBMC and BMMC processing, Ficoll density separation, magnetic bead-based cell enrichment, and sterile specimen handling.

Experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory automation platforms such as Precision XS, Mosquito liquid handlers, plate washers, automated pipetting systems, and multimode plate readers.

Ability to analyze experimental results, identify technical issues, implement corrective actions, and maintain detailed documentation.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced core facility environment.

Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities Independently perform pharmacodynamic assays including cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and drug response studies using high-throughput plate-based formats.

Conduct immunological and biochemical analyses utilizing ELISA, MSD, and other protein quantification platforms.

Process human blood, bone marrow, and tissue specimens for PBMC and BMMC isolation using Ficoll separation and magnetic bead enrichment techniques.

Perform DNA and RNA purification, nucleic acid quantification, reverse transcription reactions, and related molecular biology procedures.

Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary cell cultures under sterile conditions.

Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory automation systems, liquid handlers, plate washers, and analytical instrumentation.

Assist with assay development, optimization, validation, and implementation of new Core services.

Evaluate assay data, perform quality control reviews, and prepare summaries for investigators and Core leadership.

Maintain accurate laboratory records, SOPs, quality documentation, and inventory records in accordance with institutional and Core requirements.

Ensure adherence to biosafety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements for laboratory operations.

Collaborate with Core staff, investigators, and study teams to coordinate project timelines and deliverables.

Train and mentor junior laboratory personnel, students, and new staff members on established procedures and best laboratory practices.

Perform laboratory maintenance activities including equipment qualification, reagent preparation, inventory management, and workspace organization.

Credentials and Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's…