Research Assistant II - TRO Radiation Oncology - Research

Responsibilities

• Process routine biospecimens for laboratory protocols and manage biospecimen databases.
• Isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and separate plasma and serum for permanent storage.
• Follow laboratory standard operating procedures for specimen processing and storage.
• Maintain accurate records of protocols, experimental outcomes, biospecimen data, biomarker data, and clinical databases.
• Compile, prepare, write, and submit reports to laboratory leadership.
• Conduct experiments related to molecular biomarker research.
• Perform DNA and RNA extraction, genotyping, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, flow cytometry, cell culture, and mouse handling procedures.
• Analyze gene mutations and gene expression in cells and tissues.
• Utilize quantitative PCR, western blotting, gene expression profiling, DNA sequencing, and RNA sequencing methodologies.
• Support research activities that impact laboratory scientific objectives and outcomes.
• Manage and maintain laboratory mouse colonies through breeding and genotyping activities.
• Perform animal euthanasia, injections, and surgical procedures as required.
• Accurately record phenotypic observations, including tissue and tumor measurements during necropsies.
• Collect blood specimens and administer medications or radiation therapy to animals.
• Maintain detailed experimental and animal research records.
• Manage biospecimen and clinical databases, including REDCap systems.
• Analyze research data and support molecular biomarker investigations.
• Prepare figures, datasets, and scientific summaries for manuscripts, publications, and grant applications.
• Utilize Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, R, Python, Java, and JavaScript in support of research activities.
• Support DNA and RNA sequencing data analysis activities when applicable.
• Maintain laboratory operations through ordering, organizing, and tracking supplies and equipment.
• Manage chemical inventory and laboratory safety records.
• Develop and organize training activities for laboratory personnel on specialized procedures.
• Communicate regularly through daily discussions, weekly meetings, laboratory meetings, and departmental seminars.
• Serve as Laboratory Representative on the Department Lab Council and communicate policies, guidelines, and updates to laboratory staff.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in a basic science discipline.
• Preferred: Master's Degree in a basic science discipline.
• Required: 1 year of scientific or experimental research work experience.
• Preferred: Experience processing biospecimens; maintaining biospecimen, biomarker, and clinical databases; DNA and RNA extraction; genotyping; immunohistochemistry staining; flow cytometry; cell culture; mouse handling; molecular biomarker analysis; quantitative PCR; western blots; gene expression profiling; DNA and RNA sequencing; laboratory documentation; chemical inventory management; laboratory safety practices; Microsoft Word proficiency; Microsoft Excel proficiency; effective oral and written communication; technical and functional expertise; equipment usage and safety preparedness.
• Preferred: Experience with REDCap databases; programming skills in R, Python, Java, and JavaScript; experience preparing figures, datasets, and scientific summaries; experience with DNA and RNA sequencing data analysis; experience supporting manuscripts, publications, and grant applications; experience coordinating training and serving as a laboratory representative on departmental committees.