Research Assistant, Patra Lab, College of Medicine, Department of Cancer Biology

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.” UC’s momentum includes anchoring the Cincinnati Innovation District, operating the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country (students earn $94 million annually through paid experiences), and contributing $10.6 billion in economic impact to Cincinnati and $22.7 billion to Ohio.

About the role

A full-time Research Assistant position is available in the laboratory of Krushna Patra, PhD, in the Department of Cancer Biology at the UC College of Medicine. The lab’s research focuses on understanding the interplay of cellular signaling, metabolism, and gene regulation in tumorigenesis, with a particular emphasis on pancreatic, lung, and other gastrointestinal cancers. This role offers valuable experience for those pursuing graduate school, medical school, or related higher studies, including potential authorship on laboratory publications.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing experiments related to tissue culture (maintenance of cancer cells and organoids) and molecular biology (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning, biochemical assays, and western blot).
• Record and interpret data according to research protocols, including statistical and graphical analysis.
• Assist in animal colony management and animal husbandry.
• Apply research principles for less complex assignments.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need, adhering to lab and institutional guidelines.
• Demonstrate organizational skills related to lab experiments and operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
• Four (4) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of the education requirement.

Qualifications

• Prior laboratory research experience, including hands-on training in molecular biology techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for recording and organizing experimental data.
• Experience with animal (mouse) handling.

Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status.

• Comprehensive Tuition Remission: UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Robust Retirement Plans: Choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.
• Time Off: Generous vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days), and 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
• Additional Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription), flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors.