Research Associate

Description

Date: November 2024

Title: Research Associate I (Laboratory Research)

Department: Cancer Center/General Medical Sciences (Oncology)

School: Medicine

Location: Wolstein Research Building

Supervisor Name and Title: Kishore Guda, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Dr. Guda’s translational Oncology lab focuses on developing evidence-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for reducing mortalities from aggressive gastrointestinal malignancies. The Research Associate will execute research projects with the aim of understanding the origins and development of gastroesophageal cancers. Under the guidance of the PI, the Research Associate is expected to work independently, design and plan projects, manage animal models, and carry out research activities of an assigned project through completion. The Research Associate will utilize genetically engineered and immune-compromised animal models and standard molecular biology techniques. The Research Associate will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design. The Research Associate will also present data and findings at lab and scientific meetings, seminars, etc., prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.    Plan and execute experiments for research projects designed by the principal investigator and may design experiments independently and in collaboration with the PI. Assist with and coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Ensure the PI is informed about the results of lab members and ensure the PI’s experimental strategy is explored by lab members and through independent experiments by the Research Associate. (40%)

2.    Conduct experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Studies involve but are not limited to functional assays, and cell culture model systems, using a variety of techniques such as genetic manipulation, Western blotting, FPLC, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, and in vitro studies. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. (25%)

3.    Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts and     contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. (5%)

4.    Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members. (5%)

5.    Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure pro jects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate trainings for lab members with the EHS and others, as needed. (5%)

6.    Assist other lab members with general lab maintenance and help oversee and maintain inventory of scientific reagents. (5%)

7.    Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab. (5%)

8.    May supervise research assistants and technicians. Supervise the research and technical work performed by other lab members, ensuring proper lab procedures are followed, and their safety, and ensuring adequate resources are provided for lab work. (5%)

9.    Operate laboratory equipment such as cell culture hood, centrifuges, refrigerators, incubators, PCR machines. Assist other lab members with general lab maintenance and help oversee and maintain inventory of scientific reagents. (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.    Perform other duties as assigned.

 

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with the Animal Resource Ce