Laboratory Research Associate

About the role

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Qiongyu Hao, the Laboratory Research Associate supports both the animal colony operations and the routine bench work of the laboratory's translational cancer research program. The successful candidate divides time between ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and breeding management and performing routine cancer research procedures, including cell culture, molecular biology assays, and drug treatment/functional assays. This role is essential to maintaining the integrity and consistency of the laboratory's scientific output across both the in vivo and in vitro arms of the research program, which spans exosome biology, cancer metabolism, and small-molecule drug discovery in breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia.

Responsibilities

• Oversee weaning and maintain accurate breeding records to ensure line sustainability.
• Assist research staff with experimental procedures such as tail/ear snipping for DNA collection, injections (IP, SC), oral gavage, and tissue harvesting.
• Perform routine PCR-based genotyping and maintain a digital database of animal strains and genetic statuses.
• Conduct health checks and clinical observations; report any abnormalities or welfare concerns to the Principal Investigator and veterinary staff immediately.
• Maintain and passage cancer cell lines (e.g., TNBC, AML) under sterile conditions; perform routine cell counting, viability assays, and cryopreservation.
• Perform routine RNA/DNA/protein extraction, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting to support ongoing cancer research projects.
• Assist with in vitro drug treatment experiments, proliferation/apoptosis assays, and routine data collection.
• Assist with routine isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles/exosomes using established core platforms, under supervision.
• Ensure all activities strictly adhere to IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) protocols and institutional biosafety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, monitor room parameters (temperature/humidity), and ensure all surgical and procedural equipment is sterilized.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory reagents, chemicals, and supplies needed for ongoing studies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: B.S. or Associate degree in Biology, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science field.
• Experience: Direct experience handling and restraining small rodents. Hands-on experience with mammalian cell