Research Associate

Description

Date: July 2026

Title: Research Associate I (Laboratory Research)

Department: Medicine

School: Medicine

Location: MetroHealth Center for Cancer Research

Supervisor: Khalid Sossey-Alaoui, PhD

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Sossey-Alaoui lab focuses on the basic molecular mechanisms underlying cancer invasion and metastasis as well as interactions within the tumor microenvironment in major solid tumor cancers, with a focus on triple negative breast cancer. The Research Associate will execute research projects with the aim of the investigation of the role of Kindlin-2 in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment in TNBC. Specifically, the Research Associate will determine the molecular mechanisms whereby Kindlin-2 drives the oncogenic behavior of TNBC tumors. The Research Associate will be involved in the investigating the extent to which the oncogenic activities of Kindlin-2 are dependent upon its incorporation into small extracellular vesicles to activate systemic oncogenic pathways coupled to immune modulation Under the guidance of the PI, the Research Associate is expected to work independently, design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, supervise students, manage animal models, and carry out research activities of an assigned project through completion. The Research Associate will utilize standard and state of the art methodologies and techniques, such as 3D tumorsphere growth and invasion, proteomics, scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq, bioinformatics analyses, and animal models. The Research Associate will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design. The Research Associate will also present data and findings at lab and scientific meetings, seminars, etc., prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and execute experiments for research projects designed by the principal investigator and may design experiments independently and in collaboration with the PI. Assist with and coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Ensure the PI is informed about the results of lab members, and ensure the PI's experimental strategy is explored by lab members and through independent experiments by the Research Associate. (30%)

2. Conduct experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Studies involve but are not limited to analysis of Western blotting, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, 3D tumorsphere growth and invasion, proteomics, scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq, bioinformatics analyses, in vivo studies using animals. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. (20%)

3. Assist the PI in and independently develop new techniques and protocols. Train lab members on new techniques. (10%)

4. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate trainings for lab members with the EHS and others, as needed. (5%)

5. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. (5%)

6. Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members. (10)%)

7. Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab. (5%)

8. May supervise research assistants and technicians. Supervise the research and technical work performed by other lab members, ensuring proper lab procedures are followed, and their safety, and ensuring adequate resources are provided for lab work. (10%)

9. Operate laboratory equipment such as PCR machines, centrifuges, confocal and digital microscopes. Assist other lab members with general lab maintenance and help oversee and maintain inventory of scientific reagents. (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with the Animal Resource Center, Contact with other departments as needed

External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed

Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibilities. Will train and provide oversight to lab staff and students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Ph.D., M.D., or both degrees in cancer biology and 5 or more years of experience required

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Basic molecular biology techniques and cell culture

2. Cell Signaling.

3. CRSPR/Cas9 gene editing

4. Cancer stem cells.

5. Expertise in bioinformatics.

6. Drug Discovery is a plus.

7. Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.

8. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.

9. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.

10. Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.

11. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.

12. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.

13. Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed.

14. Animal research only: Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines.

15. Animal research only: Must demonstrate compassion for animals within CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.

16. Animal Research only: Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a cancer biology research laboratory and office environment. Responsibilities include conducting experiments using cultured cells, human tissue specimens, animal models, and standard laboratory reagents and equipment. Daily activities involve operating laboratory instruments such as biosafety cabinets, microscopes, PCR systems, centrifuges, flow cytometers, and computers for data analysis, manuscript preparation, and grant writing.

Personnel are required to comply with institutional safety, biosafety, and animal care regulations, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as laboratory coats, gloves, and eye protection. Work may involve handling biological specimens, recombinant DNA, chemicals, and other regulated materials under approved Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) procedures.

The position requires prolonged standing and sitting, repetitive hand movements for pipetting and other laboratory techniques, manual dexterity, attention to detail, and occasional lifting of laboratory supplies weighing up to 10-20 pounds.

Research activities are often driven by experimental timelines and may occasionally require work outside standard business hours, including evenings or weekends, to maintain cell cultures, complete time-sensitive experiments, or monitor animal studies. The work environment is collaborative and multidisciplinary, requiring regular interaction with faculty, trainees, research staff, clinicians, and institutional core facilities while maintaining scientific integrity, professionalism, and a safe workplace.

Animal research only: Case's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service "Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to SOM Animal Resource Center Standard Operating Procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other applicable regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Ph.D., M.D., or both degrees in cancer biology and 5 or more years of experience required

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting annual salary is $55,000-$65,000, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.