Research Scientist

The University of Utah•Salt Lake, UT

About The Position

The Myers Lab in the Department of Oncological Sciences / Huntsman Cancer Institute ( http://www.myerslab.org ) is looking for a highly motivated full-time senior laboratory scientist to study cell-cell communication mechanisms in embryonic development and cancer. We have recently made a series of foundational discoveries regarding the Hedgehog signal transduction pathway, which controls the development of all our tissues and organs and is overactivated in numerous cancers (Deshpande et al, Nature 2019; Arveseth et al, PLOS Biology 2021; Happ et al, Nature Structural and Molecular Biology 2022; Walker et al, biorxiv 2023). Several exciting follow-up biochemistry / cell biology projects are currently ongoing in lab. This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant research lab working at the forefront of an emerging area of biomedical science. The candidate will be under the supervision of the laboratory PI but will be expected to work independently, manage their own project, and train / mentor junior-level trainees and staff. For exceptionally qualified canddiates, we will also consider supporting an academic appointment to the level of Research Assistant Professor. Interested candidates should submit a full application, including a cover letter explaining 1) how this position fits into your overall scientific and career goals; 2) why you are uniquely qualified for the position. Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide. Partnerships with individuals, communities, and many other entities are crucial to our work. Huntsman Cancer Institute values cancer-related health equity, and inclusion as integral to our guiding principle to serve our patients and their communities, and our commitment to foster a culture of belonging for all within our organization. Huntsman Cancer Institute values cancer-related health equity and inclusion as integral to our guiding principle to serve our patients and their communities, and our commitment to foster a culture of belonging for all within our organization. In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your personal and professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position. Learn more here

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or other scientific discipline in a related field plus four years of experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, motivated, proactive, systematic and highly organized, with effective oral and written communication skills and prior experience reading and interpreting original scientific literature.
Knowledge of insect and mammalian cell culture, protein expression / purification, microscopy, cell-based assays, and standard molecular biology techniques are desirable but not necessary.

Responsibilities

Manages an independent research project in the lab focusing on the biochemical and/or cell biological basis of cell-cell communication in development, physiology, and cancer.
Develops, performs, and directs biochemical, microscopy-, and plate-reader-based assays to measure oncogenic signaling pathway activity. Confers with the principal investigator and other senior laboratory personnel regarding the procedures and techniques to be followed in conducting research and recommends modifications as needed.
Develops and optimizes new assays if necessary, both independently and in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
Assists the Principal Investigator in the design, implementation and performance of new protocols and procedures as well as the modification of existing techniques.
Helps the Principal Investigator in ordering new equipment and reagents.
Maintains the lab’s collections of plasmids, cell lines, yeast / bacterial strains, and reagents.
Makes statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing research results.
Operates complex and highly specialized laboratory instruments and equipment, including microscopes, centrifuges, plate readers, chromatography workstations. Instructs others in their use.
Must be comfortable working with small amounts of radioactivity in the lab (S-35 and H-3).
May supervise the care of research animals; perform minor animal surgery or collect animal tissues and specimens for laboratory analysis.