Research Associate - Zimmerman Lab

Title:

Research Associate - Zimmerman Lab

Job Type:

Regular

Company:

Health Research, Inc. (HRI) Roswell Park Division

Department:

Cancer Genetics & Genomics

Time Type:

Full time

Weekly Hours:

40

FTE:

1

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Summary:

About the Role

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a research associate to join a cancer research lab studying fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma (FP-RMS), an aggressive pediatric sarcoma driven by the PAX3::FOXO1 oncogenic fusion protein. Our work combines proximity proteomics, functional genomics, and epigenetic approaches to understand how this fusion protein works and to find new ways to target it.

You will be a key member of the lab, planning and running experiments alongside the principal investigator, analyzing and interpreting data, and helping move projects forward. This is a great fit for a curious, reliable, detail-oriented person who enjoys laboratory work and wants to contribute to research that could improve outcomes for patients.

What You’ll Do

• Perform experiments with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology and biochemical assays.
• Assist with in vivo studies using mouse models, including animal handling and under the guidance of the PI and in accordance with approved IACUC protocols.
• Help optimize and troubleshoot laboratory methods and implement new techniques from the scientific literature with guidance from the PI.
• Record data and experimental details accurately and organize results for analysis.
• Summarize data in tables, figures, and short reports using scientific software.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain shared laboratory equipment, and manage inventory so reagents and supplies are always on hand.
• Help keep the lab safe, organized, and running smoothly, including following biosafety and institutional procedures.
• Work closely with the principal investigator, fellow lab members, trainees, and collaborators.
• Present results at lab meetings, and contribute to posters, presentations, and publications.

What We’re Looking For

• Ability to plan and carry out experiments independently, and to troubleshoot when they don’t work.
• Meticulous record keeping and attention to detail.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to follow written protocols, and to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Experience with laboratory mice.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Familiarity with molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Comfort with basic data handling and graphing.

We value motivation and demonstrated lab skills. If you meet the minimum qualifications and are unsure whether your background fits, we encourage you to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and human cell culture techniques and practices, such as electrophoresis, immunoblotting, aseptic technique, growth assays, PCR, gene cloning, transfection, lentiviral transduction.
• Experience working with mice, including tumor implantation and monitoring, drug treatment, euthanasia, and sample collection.
• Experience conducting research directives with moderate oversight evidenced by publications, successful completion of independent projects.
• At least 3 years of experience in lab organization skills including record and lab notebook keeping, inventory keeping/organizing and ordering.
• Skills in analysis of large data sets including experience with Excel, Prism, R, Python etc.

Why Join Us

• Hands-on training in modern techniques, including genome editing, proteomics, and sequencing-based methods.
• Close mentorship in a small, collaborative lab with active ties to other cancer research groups.
• Opportunities to present your work and to contribute to publications, with authorship as appropriate.
• Support for career development, including preparation for graduate or professional school if that is your goal.

The pay range for this position is $62,514 - $78,846 annually, this includes a comprehensive benefit package.

The listed pay range reflects the range of potential compensation for this role. The actual offer may vary based on qualifications, skills, and experience.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience

1. Master’s degree and the equivalent of eighteen (18) months of full-time professional research experience in a laboratory, clinical or scientific research environment; or
2. Bachelor’s degree and the equivalent of thirty (30) months of full-time professional research experience in a laboratory, clinical or scientific research environment.

NOTE:
Degrees must be conferred by an accredited school, college, or university, or by an institution recognized by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and/or Health Research Incorporated as adhering to acceptable educational standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corporation (RPCIC) and Health Research Inc. (HRI) Roswell Park Division believe that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities, and we do not discriminate against our employees, applicants or job seekers because of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, creed, age, disability, pregnancy-related condition, military or veteran status, marital or familial status, domestic violence victim status, citizenship status, genetic information, individual’s relationship or association with a member of a protected category or any other protected group status as defined by law.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Qualified Individuals with Disabilities/Qualified Protected Veterans

Reasonable Accommodation Request

RPCIC and HRI are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email [email protected]  and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Our Core Values

RPCIC and HRI are committed to providing an environment where patients, families, employees and community are treated with courtesy and respect. We support an inclusive environment that nurtures the talents, skills and abilities of each individual to embody and reflect our core values: Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, Commitment, Compassion and Respect.

Grant Funding

This is a grant-funded position.  Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables is required.

E-Verify Employer

Health Research Inc. (HRI) Roswell Park Division participates in the E-Verify program.