Research Assistant II - GI Medical Oncology
About The Position
The Research Assistant II position within Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology supports translational cancer research focused on intestinal adenocarcinomas, colorectal cancer biology, patient-derived xenograft models, treatment response and resistance mechanisms, and tumor immunology. The Research Assistant II contributes to laboratory and animal-based studies while supporting scientific discoveries that advance cancer treatment. The Research Assistant II plays a key role in conducting experiments, maintaining research models, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting laboratory operations. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting biomedical research in a laboratory environment, including animal studies, mouse colony management, patient-derived xenograft models, tissue collection, data analysis, and scientific communication. Experience assisting with trainee development, preparing research documentation, and working independently in a fast-paced research setting is highly desirable.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree Basic Science
- One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or No experience required with preferred degree.
Nice To Haves
- Master's Degree Basic Science or Medical Degree
- Experience supporting biomedical research in a laboratory environment, including animal studies, mouse colony management, patient-derived xenograft models, tissue collection, data analysis, and scientific communication.
- Experience assisting with trainee development, preparing research documentation, and working independently in a fast-paced research setting is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Manage mouse colonies under minimal supervision
- Perform survival surgeries for implantation of patient-derived tumor fragments (PDX)
- Perform survival surgeries for implantation of cell lines
- Administer oral gavage treatments and research compounds
- Administer intraperitoneal (IP) treatments and research compounds
- Administer subcutaneous (SQ) treatments and research compounds
- Measure tumor response using calipers
- Measure tumor response using non-invasive imaging methods
- Analyze outcomes of efficacy studies
- Perform non-survival animal surgeries for specimen collection
- Collect tumor tissue samples for molecular characterization studies
- Collect tumor tissue samples for ex vivo treatment studies
- Collect blood samples from mice
- Collect bone marrow samples from mice
- Collect spleen tissue samples from mice
- Collect lymph node tissue samples from mice
- Extract immune cells from human tumors
- Extract immune cells from mouse bone marrow
- Extract immune cells from mouse spleens
- Extract immune cells from mouse lymph nodes
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of mouse colonies
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of growing PDX models
- Enter colony management data in a timely manner
- Verify correct animal identification through ear tags
- Report animal identification discrepancies to the supervisor
- Ensure all collected tissue samples are properly labeled
- Deposit collected tissue samples into designated storage locations
- Enter specimen collection data in a timely manner
- Maintain accurate records supporting research activities
- Support compliance with laboratory documentation standards
- Analyze experimental data under minimal supervision
- Plot experimental data under minimal supervision
- Utilize advanced Microsoft Excel skills for research analysis
- Utilize Adobe Photoshop for research-related applications
- Communicate experimental results clearly to the supervisor
- Communicate potential experimental problems clearly to the supervisor
- Present updates and findings during laboratory meetings
- Read scientific articles and research references
- Develop step-by-step written procedures for conducting experiments
- Communicate experimental procedures to laboratory personnel
- Prepare concise written summaries of methods used in experiments
- Prepare accurate written summaries of research results
- Assist with training graduate students
- Assist with training fellows
- Assist with training post-doctoral trainees
- Maintain a clean and orderly workplace
- Observe all institutional policies and procedures
- Comply with OSHA regulations related to biohazard safety
- Comply with OSHA regulations related to radiation safety
- Support safe and effective laboratory operations
Benefits
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week
- Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank
- Paid holidays
- Wellness
- Childcare
- Other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
- Access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System
- Voluntary retirement plans
- Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
