Research Assistant Professor

About the role

The Research Assistant Professor will primarily support and conduct research as part of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with the Principal Investigator to advance discoveries in disease biology and translate them into clinical applications.

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.
• 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.

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/cellulare 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;
• and
• Demonstrated interest in cancer research.

Qualifications

• 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/cellulare 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;
• and
• Demonstrated interest in cancer research.