Scientist

About the Role

Provide services as a Scientist in support of the overall functions of the National Cancer Institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory-based translational research with a focus on drug development for the treatment of cancer.
• Study cultured human and animal cell lines, some of which may be derived from cancer tissue, and analyze human and/or animal tissues with and without cancer.
• Perform a wide range of sophisticated genetic, biological, and biochemical assays, including, but not limited to:
  • DNA transfection of cells
  • Monolayer and anchorage-independent growth assays
  • Immuno-precipitation assays
  • Agarose gel electrophoresis
  • In vivo and in vitro kinase assays
• Perform confocal immune-confocal microscopy of cells.
• Perform studies that result in technical reports and information to advance cancer research.
• Initiate, design, and develop new projects or assays to enable the Center for Cancer Research/Laboratory of U. Rudloff, Rare Tumor Initiative, to fulfill its responsibilities for advances in cancer research and development of cancer diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines.
• Serve as an authority on the tumor biology being studied and the assays being performed.
• Interpret results of initial analysis to reveal conclusions and shortcomings; identify pitfalls in the original choice of methods or experimental direction; redirect the study to achieve improved results.
• Identify the need for further investigations and/or propose changes in the direction of work in light of accomplishments, findings, and current and future mission objectives.
• Work with the scientific staff to define key questions emerging from research projects, where experimental in vitro and in vivo analysis will contribute to elucidation of:
  • Impact of novel experimental therapeutics on immune cells, cancer cells, and tumors grown in mice
  • Mechanisms of cell transformation
  • Identification of molecular targets
  • Development of biomarkers/biomarker signatures with potential to guide prevention, diagnosis, or treatment
• Collaborate with scientists and statisticians in NCI, NIH, and extramural research institutions to advance research projects and elucidate cancer-related data.
• Collaborate with NIH/NCI expert staff to clarify needs and project objectives.
• Assist in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies.
• Attend seminars within the National Institute of Health/Center for Cancer Research/Laboratory of U. Rudloff; pursue additional training where necessary; participate in discussions at meetings.
• Make oral presentations at various conferences and seminars.
• Prepare data sets, tables, and figures for collaborative papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals; assemble and write papers for first-author publication in peer-reviewed papers.
• Participate in special committees, panels, and colloquia that meet to determine policy or plan activity in the field.
• Create work documents and products related to:
  • Working with laboratory personnel in designing and performing experiments, data analysis, and interpretation of results
  • Initiating, designing, and developing new projects or assays
  • Performing studies that result in technical reports and information to advance cancer research
  • Working with the scientific staff to define key questions emerging from research projects