Post-Doctoral Associate - Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation

About the Job :

The main research interest of the Lou Lab centers on investigating tumor heterogeneity and intercellular communication in a spectrum of invasive and aggressive solid tumor malignancies.

Projects in our lab focus on investigating the biology of cancer cells as they relate to cancer cell invasion, progression, tumor recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance.

We currently have active projects in several forms of solid tumor malignancies, with increased focus on spatial transcriptomics, high-resolution microscopy, and molecular and cellular biology of human tumors.

We are expanding our work, and this position has been developed in order to meet needs for new and exciting projects that include extensive use of in vitro and in vivo cancer models.

Duties & Responsibilities :

Research : Actively participate in the design and conduct of research projects, manage and ensure satisfactory progress of research projects with the ability to work independently and reliably.

Self-starter, with an ability to develop and standardize assay protocols. Be able to troubleshoot and identify solutions to problems and challenges.

Keep up to date with relevant literature and cutting edge techniques in molecular biology research.

Writing : Take on the lead role in drafting and publishing of research results in peer reviewed journals; present research results at local and national meetings.

Complete applications for all required approvals for research projects such as Animal Usage Application, Institutional Review Board protocol, and Use of Infectious Agents Form.

Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with laboratory manager, and to learn and perform tasks including ordering lab supplies and day to day maintenance of lab culture and others as needed.

Training : Assist and train graduate and undergraduate students on a daily basis under the direction of the Principal Investigator.

Required Qualifications :

Ph.D. degree in Biological sciences with a specialization in cellular and / or molecular biology of cancer.

One or more years of laboratory based research experience in a vigorous academic research setting.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Experience in sterile cell culture techniques, generating cell lines, cloning and site-directed mutagenesis, routine procedures including DNA / RNA isolation and PCR, flow cytometry / FACS, immunoassays, Western blotting, or a reasonable combination of the above.

Hands-on experience and ease in working with animal models of disease and related studies.

Willingness and ability to learn new biologic and other scientific techniques.

Preferred Qualifications :

Experience with handling clinical samples and ability to perform mouse experiments and other related molecular biology research.

Experience or willingness to learn working in and managing a research laboratory, including ordering lab supplies, overseeing trainees, and general day to day maintenance of lab culture.

Ability to identify and troubleshoot problems.

Bioinformatics knowledge for sequencing experiments.

Experience and proficiency in mouse handling, long-term sterile tissue culture and cell-based analysis, processing and documenting human tissue samples for biobanking.

Experience in microscopy and FACS data analysis.

Experience with image analysis and statistical software.

Proficiency in Western blotting / immunoblotting.

Knowledge of nucleic acid expression analysis and associated experimental procedures.

Knowledge of sterile cell culture.

Strong interpersonal skills including excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Willingness to learn and develop new techniques and approaches.

Excellent organization skills and strong record keeping abilities.

Good to excellent proficiency with data analysis and thorough preparation of results for interpretation and publication, including use of GraphPad Prism and Adobe Photoshop.

Ability to self-motivate and work independently.

Ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures.