Research Assistant | Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology

Organization Overview

• Cancer remains a daunting problem despite decades of active research into its molecular causes.
• Such studies have predominantly focused on the earliest stages of cancer progression, such as the formation of a cancer or genes involved in the growth of the primary tumor.
• In humans afflicted by cancer, the primary tumor is typically surgically resected or eliminated by radiation.
• Vast numbers of patients, nonetheless, die of cancer as a result of metastasis or the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to distal organs.
• This process is, in fact, the overwhelming cause of death from cancer, and its occurrence changes a patient's prognosis to incurable.
• Despite its vast clinical significance and inherently fascinating underlying biology, the metastatic program is poorly understood both at the molecular level and at the cellular/tissue micro-environment levels.
• Our laboratory employs a multi-disciplinary approach involving molecular, biochemical, computational, imaging, and clinical association methods to characterize the critical regulatory pathways that mediate the steps of this process.
• By implanting human cancer cells obtained from patients with breast or colon cancer into recipient mice, we study and interfere with the various stages of metastasis.
• By comparing human cancer cells that are highly metastatic to those that fail to metastasize, we have uncovered a set of small RNA molecules (microRNAs) that suppress metastasis.
• Our future work is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms by which these microRNAs block metastasis.
• Our hope is that a better understanding of this process will enhance our therapeutic arsenal against it.
• Overview

The Tavazoie Lab at the Rockefeller University is looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our efforts to study the basic principles of cancer metastasis, genomics and gene regulation in cancer. As a research assistant you will be trained in a broad range of in vitro, in vivo and in silico experimental techniques to support collaborative research projects. The successful candidate will play an active role in experimental execution, data generation, and quality control, working closely with a senior scientist.

Responsibilities

include: Maintain cell cultures and perform cell based in vitro assays Perform molecular assays including but not limited to protein and RNA analysis, qPCR, W-blots, ELISA and library preparation Maintain mice colonies including genotyping and breeding Perform tumor growth studies in mouse models, administration of test articles, sample collection and tissue processing Learn and assist in analyzing sequencing data using established pipelines Maintain detailed experimental records of laboratory procedures and results Assist and collaborate with internal and external researchers in interpretation of the data Support general lab operations, including reagent management, ordering and the generation and maintenance of lab inventories Participate actively in lab meetings and scientific discussions The successful applicant will be part of a fast-paced and dynamic research team. The Tavazoie Lab will provide significant on-the-job training and supervision. We seek a candidate who is motivated and can take independent initiative. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience to move into a PhD or MD-PhD program within a couple of years, based on the new skillset they develop at The Rockefeller University.