Research Assistant, Basic Science - Department of Oncology
About The Position
Wayne State University is seeking a Research Assistant, Basic Science, for its Department of Oncology at the Detroit campus. The position performs laboratory-based scientific research, including experiments to identify biomarkers of small-molecule anticancer drug activity and rational drug combinations. The research uses cell- and biochemical-based assays to measure cell growth and death pathways, mRNA and protein expression, and other mechanistic readouts. The role also supports tissue culture, animal-experiment planning, laboratory operations, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. The Research Assistant works with the principal investigator, postdoctoral scholars and fellows, and other staff to implement research objectives and comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and protocol requirements. Duties include collecting and evaluating research data, maintaining laboratory areas and equipment, managing supplies and inventory, and assisting with scientific presentations and publications. The position may involve a laboratory and/or office environment, non-standard hours including evenings and weekends, and travel to scientific conferences.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree; a degree in a related field of study is preferred.
- Entry-level position requiring less than one year of job-related experience.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to analyze, summarize, and interpret research findings and data in reports and spreadsheets, and communicate results.
- Knowledge of scientific integrity principles.
- Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.
- Microsoft Office software skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects.
- M.S. degree in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or another appropriate discipline.
- At least three years of laboratory experience with a strong background in molecular biology.
- Comprehensive knowledge of tumor biology, molecular oncology, and cellular genetics.
- Experience with molecular and cellular assays, including proliferation and apoptosis assays, RT-PCR, ELISA, western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, gene transfection, RNAi, and reporter assays.
- Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and collaborators.
- Ability to interpret and summarize scientific data clearly, concisely, and accurately.
- Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize multiple projects.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Perform laboratory-based scientific techniques or clinical/population science research involving human subjects.
- Design and perform experiments, and recruit study participants by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.
- Help implement research objectives and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and protocol guidelines.
- Assist staff with experiments and research protocols; communicate research status to the principal investigator and postdoctoral scholars or fellows.
- Execute experiments investigating biomarkers of small-molecule anticancer drug activity and rational drug combinations using cell- and biochemical-based assays.
- Conduct western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and RT-PCR analysis of tissue or cell samples.
- Maintain tissue cultures required for experiments and participate in planning animal experiments.
- Organize and implement routine tissue culture, cytotoxicity or proliferation, molecular biology, and immunology protocols; introduce new methods through independent learning and research.
- Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes, or survey data; analyze and interpret results using graphs, charts, or tables in accordance with research protocols.
- Proofread and edit research data and documents for accuracy.
- Assist the principal investigator with writing methods and organizing and summarizing data for conference presentations and peer-reviewed journal submissions.
- Participate in data analysis and interpretation and write manuscripts for publication.
- Maintain laboratory work areas and equipment, order and organize research supplies and records, and maintain inventory and workstation cleanliness.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
