POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work in assessment of anti-cancer vaccines for cancer treatment in preclinical animal models. Working closely with the principal investigator and in collaboration with the research team, the research assistant 3 will be developing animal tumor models, performing in vitro and in vivo assessment of immunotherapies and MRI in mice. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Work closely with the principal investigator to assist with mouse tumor model development for assessing the efficacy of the anticancer vaccine and immunotherapy projects. Acquire images of small animal tumor models such as IVIS and MRI, and general specimen photography. Design and manage experiments for treating tumor models with anticancer vaccines and immunotherapy, recording, and reporting the data and observations during the experiment in a consistent fashion and in a timely manner, managing issues of the scientific method including positive and negative controls, reproducibility, sample size estimate valuation, trends and troubleshooting, and refining techniques into standard operating procedures in the laboratory. (20%)
2. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Perform complex research which may include administration of anticancer vaccines and other immunotherapeutics, handling cells, tissues, and animals per IACUC protocols and laboratory methodology. Perform cell culture, tissues harvest and acquisition, imaging experiments, tissue and organ extraction. Specific experimental studies will require the ability to conduct tumor implantation in mice, to isolate organs and tumors, as well as immune cells from mice, to analyze tumor response to treatment with imaging techniques, immune cell population using FACS and immunofluorescence based methodology, and to conduct parallel studies involving tumors, and to perform treatment of tumor bearing mice with immunotherapy. Perform In vitro techniques including flow cytometry, PCR, cell culture, western blot, cell growth, imaging etc. (20%)
3. Coordinate laboratory/research activities. Coordinate tumor model experiments using cancer cell lines generated in accordance with research goals. Coordinate the recording and analysis of time-course data from xenograft core facility for therapy response studies, inspecting animals regularly, maintaining ID/records of all animals, and keeping datasheets up-to-date and circulated appropriately. (15%)
4. Devise new animal protocols and techniques for assessment of novel immunotherapy in mouse tumor models for research projects involving cancer immunotherapy. (10%)
5. Evaluate adequacy of techniques, study, and test new procedures. Perform analysis of data (RNA and DNA analysis, FACS analysis, Western blotting, images, cell staining assays, cell culture and cell analysis). Maintain experimental records on all activities, protocols, data, etc. (10%)

6. May co-author research projects. Participate in manuscript and grant writing, co-author research projects and provide data to the principal investigator for sponsor progress reports, manuscripts, grant and pilot applications. (10%)

    

NONESSENTIAL

1. May supervise students and technicians. Train new students and lab members regarding standard laboratory policies as well as basic biochemistry research techniques (5%)
2. May monitor the laboratory budget. (5%)

3. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

    

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the principal investigator, co-investigators, and other research team members to collaborate on work. 

University: Regular contact with investigators conducting similar research within the university at education and research meetings to exchange information. 

External: Regular