Research Senior Technician-Medical Oncology

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Job Title:

Research Senior Technician-Medical Oncology

Department:

Medicine | IM Medical Oncology

Dr. Rolfo’s laboratory is seeking a motivated Research Laboratory Technician to join his translational cancer research team. The lab focuses on thoracic oncology, liquid biopsy technologies, biomarker discovery, and participates in multiple collaborative research projects.

This position provides support to senior lab members within Dr. Rolfo’s laboratory and broader translational research initiatives. The individual may be assigned to multiple projects, including extracellular vesicle (EV) studies, ctDNA analyses, and molecular and cell-based assays. As a growing collaborative team, the role also includes supporting laboratory organization, reagent preparation, and equipment maintenance.

Opportunities for Employees

We are committed to supporting team members in exploring their scientific interests and advancing their educational and career goals. Depending on time and interest, lab members are encouraged to pursue independent projects, contribute to publications, and participate in grant applications where applicable.

Motivated Individuals

We seek driven individuals who thrive in a collaborative research environment and are passionate about advancing our understanding of thoracic oncology. Team members will have the opportunity to contribute to translational research projects involving both in vitro and in vivo models, including liquid biopsy studies, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic evaluations.

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve outcomes for lung cancer patients through innovative research. We aim to accelerate the development of new diagnostics and therapies that enhance both survival and quality of life for patients worldwide.

Hands-On Training

• As a new team member, you will receive comprehensive hands-on training in essential molecular biology and translational research techniques, including RNA/DNA/protein extraction, PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, mammalian cell culture, extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation, ctDNA analysis, and in vivo mouse work, depending on the needs of your assigned projects.
• After completing standard training, additional project-specific training will be provided to support the unique techniques required for your assigned research.

Compliance and Regulatory Training

• Regulatory and compliance-based training is required before beginning any work and will vary depending on the type of experiments being performed.
• All team members must complete the necessary certifications and training to ensure safe and compliant laboratory practices.

Requirements & Key Responsibilities

Wet Lab Experience:

• Perform and assist with molecular biology techniques, including protein/DNA/RNA isolations, Western blotting, PCR/qPCR, bacterial cloning, and preparation of samples for flow cytometry and cell sorting, including spectral flow cytometry.
• Conduct a broad range of cell culture techniques, including primary cell culture, generating new cell lines, and processing human and murine tissues into single-cell suspensions.
• Exposure to animal procedures, including monitoring health, injections, bleeding, oral gavage, weighing, handling, ear tagging/punching, euthanasia, and processing mouse tissues and blood for downstream analysis.
• Exposure to processing human blood samples and isolating immune cell subtypes for experimental use.

Documentation & Data Analysis:

• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and experimental records, consolidating and assisting with analysis of research results.
• Evaluate the validity of experimental data through data analysis and statistical techniques.
• Summarize findings for inclusion in grant proposals and manuscripts, and assist with writing, figure generation, and preparation of progress reports, publications, abstracts, posters, and other research communications.
• Independently review relevant scientific literature to ensure protocols are current and troubleshoot procedures as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) extraction and analysis. Assist with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation and processing. Perform PCR-based assays (including qPCR) for molecular analysis. Conduct protein analysis techniques, including Western blotting and ELISA. Maintain and perform experiments involving mammalian cell culture, including cell maintenance, passaging, and experimental treatments. Apply standard molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, quantification, and analysis. Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure proper documentation of results. Assist with laboratory organization, reagent preparation, and equipment maintenance. Collaborate with lab members to support ongoing translational research projects.

Lab Maintenance:

Participate in maintaining the laboratory through standard procedures and practices. Set up and operate laboratory equipment and perform routine cleaning and maintenance. Participate in lab meetings and journal clubs. Assist with training junior research staff, undergraduate, and graduate students in research methods and equipment operation. Monitor general supply inventories and initiate procurement requests as needed. Assist the Lab Supervisor with organization of the lab, including creating and maintaining electronic inventories of reagents, equipment, and other resources.

Desired Skills & Experience

Familiarity or prior exposure to extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation and characterization is highly desirable. Exposure to translational research using in vitro and in vivo models is a plus. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment. Self-motivated with good time management skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, etc.). Previous experience in research or a lab environment is preferred but not required.

Commitment & Teamwork

Support experiments, collaborate with fellow lab members, report results, and prepare presentations. A strong willingness to work in a team environment is essential.

Minimum Required Qualifications - Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, health, or other related science field or equivalent experience required. 4 years of relevant experience required with High School diploma or GED, 2 years of relevant experience required with Associate's Degree, or 0 years of relevant experience required with Bachelor's Degree. Ability to work well within a team environment.

Function: Research and Scholarship

Sub Function: Research

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Technical

Career Level:T3

Additional Information:

Location:

Biomedical Research Tower (0112)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

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