Scientist II

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

21h•$64,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Scientist position will work with the faculty leaders, Dr. Josh Lang and Dr. Marina Sharifi, in the Circulating Biomarker Core (CBC) at the UW Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC), which is distinguished and supported by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center for core facilities that meet rigorous high standards. The focus of the CBC facility is to provide sample processing and analysis services to members of the UWCCC, UW and the broader research community for the development and clinical translation of biomarkers from circulation that can predict or detect therapeutic resistance in patients with cancer. Expertise in molecular biology methods, including DNA and RNA sequencing, are required for this position. Circulating biomarkers are evaluated on clinical specimens, primarily patient blood draws, through a series of sample processing steps, including ficoll density centrifugation, magnetic depletion of normal blood cells using standard MACS columns, magnetic enrichment and protein staining or nucleic acid (DNA/mRNA) extraction of metastatic tumor cells using either a customized pipetting robot or a handheld microfluidic device. Analytical systems include fluorescence microscopy image acquisition, raw image conversion into quantitative data using both automated image processing algorithms and manual review of identified objects. Rare cell RNA extraction, quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and RNA sequencing are commonly performed methods. The CBC also develops the controls and analytical validation datasets required for regulatory approval. Our team of highly cooperative researchers coordinate the receipt, processing and analysis of 15-25 patient samples each week, testing a number of different protein and nucleic acid biomarkers, for numerous different projects involving basic research and clinical trials. The CBC Scientist position identifies research problems, designs molecular biology methodologies, performs and supervises research, trains staff in accurate execution of existing and new assays, monitors performance of new and existing assays, and prepares and presents results to professional organizations or for scholarly publications. This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location. Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration: Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to work independently, delegate, and oversee tasks Demonstrated ability to train and supervise staff to perform complex protocols to a high degree of accuracy

Requirements

Proven expertise in DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing methods
Experience using Microsoft Office 365 and basic computer programs (e.g., Teams, Sharepoint, OneNote, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, Google, etc.)
Experience interacting professionally with internal and external collaborators, and diverse stakeholders
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, or closely related discipline, is required

Nice To Haves

Experience managing complex projects that involve multiple principal investigators, sites, institutions, and/or public health practice settings
Demonstrated ability to follow research protocols or other detailed procedures consistently and accurately, with a high level of attention to detail.
Experience with microfluidic technologies and liquid biopsy research
Experience with or willingness to learn to use electronic record systems, such as REDCap
Computer literacy for literature searches, data entry, data management, data tabulation, statistical analysis and data presentation in tabular and graphic formats

Responsibilities

Collects and analyzes highly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
Identifies research problems and develops highly complex research methodologies and procedures.
Publishes and presents results to help advance research
Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures
Serves as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders providing expert level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit and staff and resolve routine personnel issues
Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials and, disseminates information to appropriate entities
Identifies, writes, or assists in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding

Benefits

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.

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