Associate Specialist Carvajal Lab

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis seeks an Associate Specialist to contribute to cancer biology and translational research. The role focuses on molecular and cellular biology, handling human biospecimens and mouse cancer models, and supporting preclinical drug development projects.

The ideal candidate will perform cell culture, DNA/RNA/protein work, and various gene expression assays, while maintaining rigorous data management and compliance with IRB/HIPAA requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Significant laboratory experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and handling of biospecimens (tissues/blood/plasma/serum).
• Experience with qPCR, digital PCR, and genomic workflows.
• Experience with protein purification and biochemical analyses.
• Ability to interpret results and maintain thorough lab documentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture including maintenance, expansion, and cryopreservation.
• Execute DNA, RNA, and protein extraction and purification.
• Conduct PCR, qPCR, genotyping, and gene expression analyses.
• Carry out protein analyses such as SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
• Support development and validation of cancer biology assays.
• Assist with animal studies using mouse cancer models and sample processing.
• Process and manage human biospecimens and associated databases.
• Maintain accurate lab records and compliance with protocols.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular biology

PCR

qPCR/dPCR

Genotyping

Protein analysis

Western blot

Immunoassays

Data analysis

Human biospecimen handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Biochemistry

Tools

PCR machines

Centrifuges

Gel electrophoresis

Job description

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Associate Specialist will make significant contributions to ongoing and future research programs in cancer biology, molecular oncology, biomarker discovery, and preclinical therapeutic development. The incumbent will provide specialized technical expertise in molecular and cellular biology and support laboratory studies using human biospecimens, animal models of cancer, and translational research projects. The Associate Specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory personnel to conduct experiments, develop and implement laboratory protocols, maintain research records, analyze data, and contribute to the overall productivity of the research program. The position requires substantial technical independence and the ability to perform a broad range of laboratory procedures in support of federally and institutionally funded research projects.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85%)

Cell and Molecular Biology

• Perform mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and quality control of established and primary cell lines.
• Conduct molecular biology experiments including DNA, RNA, and protein extraction and purification.
• Perform PCR, quantitative PCR, digital PCR, genotyping, gene expression analyses, and related molecular assays.
• Conduct protein analyses including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, immunoassays, and other biochemical techniques.
• Support development, optimization, and validation of laboratory assays used in cancer biology and translational research studies.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure adherence to quality-control procedures.

Animal Research

• Assist with studies utilizing mouse models of cancer and therapeutic intervention.
• Perform animal handling, monitoring, tissue collection, necropsy procedures, and sample processing in accordance with approved animal protocols.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal studies and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

Human Biospecimen Research

• Process, catalog, and maintain human biospecimens obtained through ongoing and future clinical studies and clinical trials.
• Perform preparation and storage of blood, plasma, serum, buffy coat, DNA, RNA, tissue, and other biological specimens.
• Maintain biospecimen inventories and associated databases.
• Coordinate with clinical staff, pathology department, laboratories, and research teams to facilitate sample acquisition.
• Ensure compliance with IRB, HIPAA, and institutional biospecimen handling requirements.

Preclinical Drug Development Studies

• Support studies evaluating novel cancer therapeutics and therapeutic combinations.
• Conduct cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and related functional assays.
• Assist in generation and analysis of experimental data related to therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action.
• Participate in development and implementation of experimental protocols for preclinical drug testing.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Maintain detailed laboratory records and electronic databases
• Analyze experimental results and prepare summaries of findings.
• Assist in interpretation of data and troubleshooting of experimental procedures.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and scientific discussions.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)

• Maintain current knowledge of advances in cancer biology, molecular oncology, and translational research methodologies.
• Review scientific literature relevant to ongoing projects.
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Assist with preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, abstracts, and grant applications as appropriate.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

• Assist in training undergraduate students, graduate students, laboratory staff, and visiting scholars in specialized laboratory procedures.
• Contribute to laboratory management activities, including safety compliance, inventory management, and maintenance of shared resources.

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.

• Significant research or biotechnology laboratory experience involving molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture including maintenance, passaging, harvesting, and media preparation.
• Experience performing molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, SDS-PAGE, and other related assays.
• Experience processing human biospecimens including tissues, blood, plasma, and serum.
• Experience with quantitative PCR, digital PCR, next-generation sequencing workflows, or other genomic technologies.
• Experience with protein purification and biochemical analyses.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and optimizing lab protocols, maintaining accurate and thorough lab documentation, and adhering to good laboratory practices.
• Demonstrated experience with data analysis, troubleshooting experimental results, and interpreting findings in the context of relevant primary literature.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.