Research Assistant

Summary

The Research Assistant supports laboratory-based brain tumor research within the Department of Neurosurgery by conducting statistical programming, multi-omics and epigenetic data analysis, computational analysis and machine learning of human and patient-derived cells, tissues, images and analyzing their responses to drug and radiation treatments. The role includes performing statistical analysis, transcriptomic analysis, stochastic or mechanistic simulation modeling, computational imaging analysis, machine learning, and preparing figures, technical reports, and manuscripts for publication and presentation. This position exists to advance ongoing funded research by analyzing experimental and clinical data and supporting the laboratory’s scientific and scholarly activities.

Responsibilities

- Conduct laboratory research activities involving human and patient-derived cell cultures to support ongoing neuroscience and brain tumor studies. - Perform experimental procedures using microscopic imaging, proliferation, and migration assays to generate data for biomedical research projects. - Prepare biological samples and execute molecular analyses, including immunostaining, western blotting, and RNA sequencing workflows. - Apply statistical, computational and bioinformatic methods to analyze experimental and clinical datasets related to cell growth, treatment response, and gene expression. - Perform bulk and single-cell RNA-seq and analysis. - Perform spatial transcriptomic analysis. - Develop and apply stochastic and mechanistic modeling. - Develop and apply machine learning tools to analyze genomic and MRI datasets. - Assist in the design and implementation of computational and experimental protocols to support laboratory research objectives and funded study aims. - Maintain laboratory materials, biomaterials, and substrates to ensure readiness for experimental use and research continuity. - Participate in departmental and academic research activities to contribute to collaborative scientific initiatives within Neurosurgery and affiliated programs. - Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field. - Minimum of two years of relevant laboratory research experience in a biomedical, biological sciences, or related research environment, which may include academic laboratory training obtained during undergraduate or graduate study. - Hands-on work with cell culture techniques, basic molecular or imaging assays, statistical and bioinformatic analysis, machine learning or computational modeling. - Ability to follow and execute experimental and computational protocols, maintain accurate research documentation, and communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. - Basic computational, statistical, or programming skills, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a research team environment.