Associate Specialist Carvajal Lab

NATURE AND PURPOSE The Associate Specialist will make significant contributions to ongoing and future research programs in cancer biology, molecular oncology, biomarker discovery, and preclinical therapeutic development. The incumbent will provide specialized technical expertise in molecular and cellular biology and support laboratory studies using human biospecimens, animal models of cancer, and translational research projects.

The Associate Specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory personnel to conduct experiments, develop and implement laboratory protocols, maintain research records, analyze data, and contribute to the overall productivity of the research program. The position requires substantial technical independence and the ability to perform a broad range of laboratory procedures in support of federally and institutionally funded research projects.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85%) Cell and Molecular Biology

• Perform mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and quality control of established and primary cell lines.
• Conduct molecular biology experiments including DNA, RNA, and protein extraction and purification.
• Perform PCR, quantitative PCR, digital PCR, genotyping, gene expression analyses, and related molecular assays.
• Conduct protein analyses including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, immunoassays, and other biochemical techniques.
• Support development, optimization, and validation of laboratory assays used in cancer biology and translational research studies.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure adherence to quality-control procedures. Animal Research
• Assist with studies utilizing mouse models of cancer and therapeutic intervention.
• Perform animal handling, monitoring, tissue collection, necropsy procedures, and sample processing in accordance with approved animal protocols.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal studies and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements. Human Biospecimen Research
• Process, catalog, and maintain human biospecimens obtained through ongoing and future clinical studies and clinical trials.
• Perform preparation and storage of blood, plasma, serum, buffy coat, DNA, RNA, tissue, and other biological specimens.
• Maintain biospecimen inventories and associated databases.
• Coordinate with clinical staff, pathology department, laboratories, and research teams to facilitate sample acquisition.
• Ensure compliance with IRB, HIPAA, and institutional biospecimen handling requirements. Preclinical Drug Development Studies
• Support studies evaluating novel cancer therapeutics and therapeutic combinations.
• Conduct cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and related functional assays.
• Assist in generation and analysis of experimental data related to therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action.
• Participate in development and implementation of experimental protocols for preclinical drug testing. Data Collection and Analysis
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and electronic databases
• Analyze experimental results and prepare summaries of findings.
• Assist in interpretation of data and troubleshooting of experimental procedures.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and scientific discussions. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)
• Maintain current knowledge of advances in cancer biology, molecular oncology, and translational research methodologies.
• Review scientific literature relevant to ongoing projects.
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Assist with preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, abstracts, and grant applications as appropriate. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
• Assist in training undergraduate students, graduate students, laboratory staff, and visiting scholars in specialized laboratory procedures.
• Contribute to laboratory management activities, including safety compliance, inventory management, and maintenance of shared resources.