POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research projects that contribute 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. This is a key position within the lab and will be responsible for the planning and execution of experiments in close collaboration with the principal investigator. 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. Plan and carry out accessioning projects in accordance with general regulatory requirements. Perform biosafety level 2 (BSL2) cell culture techniques with primary human cells and maintain organoid cultures derived from primary patient samples, ensuring optimal growth conditions and monitoring for health and proliferation. Prepare cells, organoids, and patient specimens for single cell sequencing. Prepare organoids and patient specimens for spatial transcriptomic methods. Prepare DNA/RNA libraries for genomic sequencing, following protocols for quality control and ensuring the accurate representation of samples. (40%)
2. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Prepare, evaluate samples in coordination with relevant lab staff. Conduct multiplex immunofluorescent staining on cell and tissue samples to visualize specific proteins of interest. Prepare DNA/RNA libraries for genomic sequencing, following protocols for quality control and ensuring the accurate representation of samples. Operate microscopy equipment for imaging of stained samples, ensuring high-quality capture of fluorescence signals. Perform flow cytometry experiments to analyze cell populations within samples, including staining, running samples through flow cytometers, and performing basic data analysis. (30%)
3. May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Coordinate and facilitate the transfer of research samples between the university and other institutions ensuring all applicable policies are adhered to. (10%)
4. Collect and analyze clinical data (test requisitions) and record keeping support with high level data entry and by implementing quality data controls. Coordinate the collection, processing, and storage of clinical samples from collaborators or clinical partners, adhering to ethical guidelines and ensuring sample integrity. Maintain detailed experimental records, including methods, results, and observations, in electronic lab notebooks and electronic databases. Contribute to the preparation of figures, tables, and sections of manuscripts and reports under the guidance of senior lab members. (10%)

5. Oversee inventory. Maintain certain equipment facilities. Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory, including reagent preparation, sterilization of equipment, and ordering supplies as needed. Ensure a clean, organized, and safe working environment in compliance with institutional safety protocols. Train new personnel with common lab tasks and orientation. (10%)

    

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS.

Department: Almost daily contact with supervisor, either in person or through electronic communications to discuss research plans and results. Work with clinical fellows, and postdoctoral employees to exchange information. Regular contact (several times a week) with clinical staff,