Staff Scientist

University of Rochester•Wilmot, AR

11d•$29 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Scientist will take a leading role in a research program focused on AI-informed therapeutic targets for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The role independently manages major parts of the project, including studying promising target biology, testing combinations with existing therapies, and investigating resistance. The Staff Scientist helps drive the project’s scientific direction and support its longer-term goals. The position involves planning and carrying out complex in vitro and in vivo studies using PDAC models, analyzing and interpreting data, preparing regulatory documents, contributing to grant applications, and training and supervising lab members. It also includes oversight of day-to-day project science, protocol development, resource coordination, and communication of findings through manuscripts, meetings, and conferences.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Experimental Pathology, or a related field, and 2 years of relevant postdoctoral training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Hands-on experience with in vivo mouse work and experience preparing IACUC protocols are strongly preferred.
Strong background in cancer biology, with demonstrated experience studying therapeutic targets, drug mechanisms, or resistance preferred.
Hands-on skills in molecular and cellular biology, advanced cell culture, and in vivo studies preferred.
Experience designing, executing, and interpreting complex experiments in cancer models preferred.
Strong data analysis and organizational skills preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience with PDAC models, including cell lines, organoids, PDX, or syngeneic systems, and/or inducible gene knockdown approaches.
Grant writing experience.
Experience with AI-informed or computational target identification follow-up studies.
Hands-on experience with in vivo mouse work and preparing IACUC protocols.

Responsibilities

Independently lead major components of the therapeutic targets project and help set priorities in discussion with the PI.
Design and conduct experiments studying AI-informed targets in PDAC, combinations with current treatments, and resistance mechanisms.
Plan and carry out complex in vitro and in vivo studies using PDAC models, including cell lines, organoids, PDX, syngeneic systems, and inducible knockdown.
Contribute to grant writing, including NIH applications, and prepare regulatory documents such as IRB, IACUC, and IBC materials.
Analyze experimental data, interpret results, assess their significance to the program, write up findings, and contribute intellectually to manuscripts.
Oversee day-to-day scientific work, develop and improve protocols, maintain data quality and record-keeping standards, and troubleshoot technical issues.
Train and supervise postdocs, technicians, students, and other lab members in relevant techniques, providing ongoing guidance and feedback.
Stay current with the field through literature, meetings, and presentations at lab meetings, collaborator calls, and scientific conferences.
Help manage project resources, including ordering reagents and supplies, coordinating equipment maintenance, tracking spending, and assisting with budget planning in consultation with the PI.
Perform other duties as assigned.