Research Associate I_Immunology

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 Research Associate I assumes the responsibility of performing basic, biological, behavioral, social science or public health research within the specified research program. The Research Associate provides technical and analytical support for various research programs across all Moffitt divisions and may have administrative and training responsibilities, as assigned. Research Associates work under the general supervision of a Principal Investigator (Pl) and may work as part to of a team under the direct supervision of more senior lab personnel.

Research Associates participate in the planning, development, and implementation of original experimental procedures within the overall scope of the project.

The Zhu Lab in the Department of Immunology studies the interactions between the tumor vasculature and the immune system. We investigate how the vessels organize the tumor microenvironment to shield cancer cells from immune surveillance. Our focus is on understanding how specialized blood and lymphatic endothelial cells orchestrate immune cell activation and deployment to regulate tumor development. We want to leverage these mechanistic insights to design vessel-directed interventions to reinvigorate antitumor immunity and enhance immunotherapies.

We are looking for highly driven research associates to join our efforts and grow with us.

• Engage in interdisciplinary research at the interface of cancer biology, immunology, and vascular biology.
• Receive comprehensive, hands-on technical training in mouse surgery, cell culture, PCR/QPCR, flow cytometry, FACS sorting, whole mount staining, and 3D imaging, etc.
• Receive mentorship for professional growth to support your long-term career goals.
• Work with increasing independence and contribute to a collaborative lab environment.

• Passion for studying the tumor microenvironment and cancer immunology.
• Strong motivation and ability to learn and master new lab techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and collaboration skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to work with mouse tumor models. Prior experience with animal work is highly desirable but not required.
• Attention to detail.

• Conduct experiments independently and collaboratively.
• Collect, annotate, analyze, organize, and document data. Permanently record raw experiment data and document findings in a timely manner accessible to others on the research team.
• Communicate research findings and analytical insights to colleagues.
• Establish and maintain mouse models.
• Contribute to the preparation of publications, grants, and administrative and research compliance documents.
• Maintain laboratory equipment in a clean and working order, including performing instrument standardization documented by written report.
• Monitor and restock laboratory supplies as needed.
• Assist in training new staff in areas of expertise, and serve as a resource to other lab members.

• Bachelor's degree in science related field required with prior hands-on research training experience is required.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required

Moffitt Team Members are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Parental Leave and more. Tampa is a thriving metropolitan city, which has become a hub for ground-breaking research, welcoming individuals from around the globe. This diverse city is engulfed with rich culture, year-round activities, amazing cuisine and so much more. We strive for work/life balance.

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,

then we have a place for you.