The Division of Basic and Translational Research (within the Department of Surgery) is seeking a motivated and driven researcher to join an established team working on projects in the development and testing of novel cancer therapeutics. This individual will work as part of a lab group that investigates oncolytic adenoviruses and how they can be used to treat a variety of malignancies. This position will be responsible for assisting in adenovirus creation and purification, as well as testing of such viruses in in vitro and in vivo settings (using a variety of animal models). This individual will work closely with other researchers in the department to run assays and assess results as required to support the advancement of our preclinical research studies.
Specific Duties:
Independent conduct of scientific experiments (80%) • Maintenance and treatment of cells in culture • Perform assays to assess cancer cell viability following treatment with virus • Perform molecular biology analyses • Perform synthesis and purification of oncolytic adenovirus • Establish tumors in animal models, inoculate animals with virus, and assess treatment response • Assist with performing orthotopic surgeries and tumor transplants on animals • Assist in evaluating the effects of therapeutics on cells, tissue samples, and in animal models • Assist with the development and troubleshooting for new techniques and assays • Follow oral directions and written protocols precisely • Independently problem solve/resolve issues with scientific experiments
Laboratory Management (10%) • Maintain laboratory safety by ensuring that the lab is compliant with appropriate safety regulations and that lab specific protocols are established and followed • Ensure compliance with record keeping and safety training • Tracking and restocking of lab supplies • Perform validation exercises for all aspects of reagent and supply preparation and processing • Other maintenance and supply duties as required
Data Management (5%) • Analyze, summarize and report experimental data to supervisor as well as other members of the research team • Meticulous record keeping of all experiments and projects • Other data management duties as required
Literature review, R&D, and additional duties (5%) • Review relevant research literature to facilitate job performance • Attendance at weekly lab meetings • Assistance with the preparation of protocols, presentations, and manuscripts • Assist with ongoing R&D operations as time allows and as assigned by supervisors • Other duties as required
*All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.
Required qualifications: • BA/BS (or higher) and at least two years of experience working in a biological lab OR a combination of education and work experience in a biological lab to total at least six years • Experience in molecular biology, cell biology, oncolytic virotherapy, or related field • Ability to work independently in a rapidly changing scientific environment and conduct experiments with minimal (if any) supervision • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to follow directions/protocols. • Meticulous organizational and time management skills • Experience with Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint or similar programs for data management and presentation creation • Must be able to stand at a laboratory bench or hood for extended periods of time and lift up to 40 lbs • Must be able to work flexible hours as needed by project
Preferred qualifications: • Graduate level coursework • Previous experience working in a BSL2 laboratory setting • Prior experience with animal studies using mice/hamsters • Experience using the following equipment is preferred: fluorometer, spectrophotometer, spectrometer, centrifuge, speed-vac, microscopes, biological safety cabinet, autoclave, incubators, manual pipet, electronic pipet, digital balance, centrifuges, lab chillers and water baths, fume hoods, gas cylinders, pH meter, sonicator, flow cytometer, 7300 Real-Time PCR System, etc.
Internal Number: 337631
About University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
