Research Assistant Professor

George Mason University

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant Professor will primarily support and conduct research as part of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with the Principal Investigator to advance discoveries in disease biology and translate them into clinical applications. The role involves performing a wide range of molecular and cellular laboratory techniques; contributing to data analysis, including collaboration with data scientists on large proteomic datasets; and supporting laboratory operations. The position also includes facilitating research coordination with project collaborators. A secondary purpose of the role includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses – emphasizing creativity and innovation –providing hands on student training and mentorship, and supporting technology transfer activities, including invention disclosure education and commercialization efforts.

Requirements

Terminal degree (PhD) in related field
3-year post PhD research experience in related field at time of appointment
Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience in the area of cancer research
Experience with word processing and spreadsheet software
Willingness to work at BSL-2
Basic knowledge of cancer biology and molecular/cellular laboratory techniques
Understanding of laboratory safety, biosafety practices, and research ethics
Familiarity with regulatory principles (IRB, IACUC, NIH) and responsible conduct of research
Ability to perform standard laboratory procedures and follow established protocols
Strong organizational and logistical coordination skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills for research
Competence with basic data entry, record-keeping, and common software applications
Ability to learn new scientific concepts, laboratory techniques, and instructional technologies quickly
Ability to communicate scientific information clearly to diverse audiences
Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary academic units and external constituents
Demonstrated interest in cancer research.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated track record of authoring high-impact research publications as first or corresponding author
Clinical research experience
Demonstrated track record of successfully achieved issued patents and participating in licensing negotiations
Extensive experience in cancer research: cancer immunotherapy, solid tumors, tumor microenvironment, cell-cell communication, physiological principles of mitochondrial function and disease, extracellular vesicles biology, and lymphatic/lymph node biology
Animal model experience
Documented experience in successful attainment of research grant funding as a PI
Experience with academic technology transfer and STEM instruction
Knowledge of proteomics and cell-cell communication as applied to cancer.

Responsibilities

Conducts independent and collaborative research focused on mechanisms of cancer pathophysiology and progression, with emphasis on cell–cell communication mediated by vesicle trafficking in living tissues
Develops and submits grant proposals, contracts, patent applications, and commercial partnership requests to secure funding and support research programs
Mentors and supervises trainees, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, in cancer research methodologies, scientific reasoning, and laboratory practices
Applies bioengineering principles to the study of cancer biology, integrating engineering-based tools and approaches into experimental design and analysis
Collaborates with scientists and clinicians within the unit and across external institutions to advance multidisciplinary cancer research initiatives
Publishes peer‑reviewed manuscripts, reviews, and related scholarly works in high‑impact scientific journals
Presents research findings at national and international scientific conferences, symposiums, and professional meetings
Ensures compliance with all regulatory standards, including IHS, IACUC, IRB, CAP, and NIH guidelines, while overseeing human and animal research activities
Directs cancer tissue profiling efforts within clinical research trials using proteomics, histopathology, laser‑capture microdissection (LCM), interstitial fluid collection, and molecular biology techniques
Contributes to the advancement of the research unit through active participation in strategic planning, laboratory management, and technological innovation
Serves as the instructional and technical liaison between CAPMM and the university’s Office of Technology Transfer
Provides training to students and faculty on invention disclosure preparation, provisional patent filing, claim development, and USPTO examiner interactions
Collaborates with Technology Transfer staff to guide students through drafting provisional patents, filing formal applications, conducting examiner reviews, and submitting supporting documentation
Integrates intellectual property education into STEM curriculum, emphasizing practical pathways from research to commercialization
Leads project planning efforts for new and existing instructional programs, identifying opportunities to improve curriculum quality, accessibility, and program reach
Develops innovative project‑based learning modules that incorporate emerging technologies, creative problem solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Ensures continuous improvement of online instructional tools, digital resources, and virtual teaching strategies
Emphasizes the practical and economic value of STEM degrees by teaching pathways for translational research, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization
Engages students in discussions about the broader societal and industry impacts of innovation, intellectual property, and applied research
Supports the growth of a culture of creativity, innovation, and scientific curiosity across all assigned educational programs.