Research Assistant Jobs

About The Position

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.