Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Our current project is to understand the mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation in the progression of pre-cancerous states in the stomach and pancreas to cancer. We take a multi-focal approach to uncovering these mechanisms, relying on experimental systems in mice and from patient-derived gastric biopsies and gastric/pancreatic tumor resections. We apply transcriptional (i.e., single-cell and T cell receptor RNA sequencing), molecular (siRNA, CRISPR-Cas9), immunohistochemical, organoid, flow cytometric, and in vivo (i.e., mouse models) methods to develop new insight into the evolution of pre-cancerous stages to malignant lesions in the stomach and pancreas.

This position will specifically focus on processing blood, gastric biopsies, pancreatic fluid collections, and gastric/pancreatic tissue resections for downstream transcriptional and flow cytometric analyses. In addition, the candidate will be expected to isolate, derive, and maintain organoids from patient samples. Additional tasks will include preparing biopsies/tissue for histologic processing, isolating DNA/RNA and protein, and further characterization using molecular biology techniques (e.g., Western blotting, RT-PCR). The successful candidate will learn how to perform these tasks and will be expected to be honest, efficient, organized, and collaborative. The candidate will also be expected to learn any additional techniques relevant to the project. The candidate will communicate their findings with the Principal Investigators (PIs) on the project through regular meetings or formal presentations.

Provides critically complex research and experimentation for department/s allowing the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery. Serves as a subject matter expert offering support, training and guidance relative to the discipline/area. May participate and or present on the research developed, or the established work of those within the department.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI. Serves as representative for PI and ensures procedures and protocols are adhered to consistently and effectively meet department's standard. Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects. May serve in lead role as needed.

• Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results and findings. May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department. Conducts literature searches related to research projects. Writes/co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences. May participate in work related to grants.

• Solves practical problems relating to difficulty with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical/ procedural improvements in various methods. May develop and optimize experimental procedures and protocols. Provides high-level troubleshooting to advance process or lab procedures.

• Serves as department's research representative and may participate in various related meetings and events. Gathers/delivers data/information and serves as subject matter expert. Performs statistical data analysis, as needed. Presents research information to internal and/or external audiences.

• Organizes and maintains required documentation on lab and/or specimen conditions and can develop and summarize information into usable formats or presentations on behalf of the department. May communicate findings to various users or external audiences.

• Performs all related work in accordance with established protocols and safety/compliance requirements.

• May explain methods, lead or train other personnel or observers.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.

• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is