Research Scientist

Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Research Scientist will be a central contributor to the overall objective of the lab, which is to better understand the immune microenvironment in brain tumors, identify potential new strategies to make immunotherapy more effective for these patients, select lead strategies through testing in preclinical models, and translate lead strategies into clinical trials. The Research Scientist will oversee research projects within the lab, providing scientific oversight, guidance to lab members, and lab management in the absence of the principal investigator. The Research Scientist will design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, oversee staff and students, manage primary organoid models, and fully execute research projects aligned with the objective of the lab. The Research Scientist will utilize advanced organoid tissue culture, flow cytometry, genomic and epigenomic sequencing, single-cell genomics, microscopy, and bioinformatic techniques. The Research Scientist will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design and project plans. The Research Scientist will independently prepare manuscripts. It is expected that the Research Scientist will apply for grant funding as a Principal Investigator in this area of interest and maintain independent research though submission of subsequent grant applications as needed. The Research Scientist will also participate collaboratively with other laboratories within and external to CWRU. The lab works closely together with other Principal Investigators in Pathology and the School of Medicine, including collaborations with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, computational scientists, surgeons, pathologists, and oncologists. This position will work with primary patient specimens.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.    Provide scientific oversight of all research projects, including data collection and maintenance. Establish and manage the day-to-day priorities of the research staff. 10%

2.    With the principal investigator, establish goals and objectives for the efficient and timely completion of projects. Meet regularly with the principal investigator to review and set priorities, staff/student-related issues, and future research staff and planning. 10%

3.    Independently and with the principal investigator, design, plan, and execute research projects that contribute to the overall goals of the lab.  Perform analysis of cell culture experiments, flow cytometry, microscopy methods, genomic and epigenomic studies, including single-cell methodologies, and other standard molecular biology techniques. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. 15%

4.    Independently write and apply for grants as Principal Investigator. Submit subsequent grant applications as needed to maintain independent research and funding. 5%

5.    Develop new techniques and protocols to advance research projects within the lab. Train lab members on new techniques.  5%

6.    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 Scientist. 5%

7.    Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects 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. 10%

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

9.    Independently author research projects. 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. 10%

10.  Assess, update, and develop new standard op