Laboratory Research Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Qiongyu Hao, the Laboratory Research Associate supports both the animal colony operations and the routine bench work of the laboratory's translational cancer research program. The successful candidate divides time between ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and breeding management and performing routine cancer research procedures, including cell culture, molecular biology assays, and drug treatment/functional assays. This role is essential to maintaining the integrity and consistency of the laboratory's scientific output across both the in vivo and in vitro arms of the research program, which spans exosome biology, cancer metabolism, and small-molecule drug discovery in breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee weaning and maintain accurate breeding records to ensure line sustainability.
• Assist research staff with experimental procedures such as tail/ear snipping for DNA collection, injections (IP, SC), oral gavage, and tissue harvesting.
• Perform routine PCR-based genotyping and maintain a digital database of animal strains and genetic statuses.
• Conduct health checks and clinical observations; report any abnormalities or welfare concerns to the Principal Investigator and veterinary staff immediately.
• Maintain and passage cancer cell lines (e.g., TNBC, AML) under sterile conditions; perform routine cell counting, viability assays, and cryopreservation.
• Perform routine RNA/DNA/protein extraction, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting to support ongoing cancer research projects.
• Assist with in vitro drug treatment experiments, proliferation/apoptosis assays, and routine data collection.
• Assist with routine isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles/exosomes using established core platforms, under supervision.
• Ensure all activities strictly adhere to IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) protocols and institutional biosafety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, monitor room parameters (temperature/humidity), and ensure all surgical and procedural equipment is sterilized.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory reagents, chemicals, and supplies needed for ongoing studies.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

EDUCATION:

• B.S. or Associate degree in Biology, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science field.

EXPERIENCE:

• Direct experience handling and restraining small rodents.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture (cancer cell lines preferred) and standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western blot, ELISA).
• Proficiency in basic laboratory math and digital record-keeping.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques is highly preferred.
• Prior experience with in vivo animal models (mouse/rat) is a plus.
• Prior experience with extracellular vesicle/exosome isolation or characterization is advantageous but not required.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY/SKILLS:

• Exceptional reliability and punctuality, as consistent care is critical for animal welfare.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with diverse research teams.
• Ability to follow complex Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with high precision.
• Able to troubleshoot and resolve routine technical difficulties.
• Committed to supporting a translational Cancer Research program.

COMPLEXITY:

• The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent handling of small animals, standing, and walking. Constant sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, including animal facility and standard wet-laboratory settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent work on a variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating, interrupted work, work on a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
• The ideal candidate will be seeking a career supporting translational Cancer Research and able to make a long-term commitment.

Compensation:

• $70,340 - $93,468

Position Status:

• Full Time, Exempt

EEO Statement: Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.

Fair Chance Statement: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws