Molecular Oncology Research Specialist

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking an Associate Specialist to contribute to cancer biology and translational research projects. The role requires extensive molecular and cellular biology expertise, handling human biospecimens, mouse models, and preclinical drug development studies.

The candidate will develop protocols, maintain records, analyze data, and collaborate with investigators to advance diverse research programs in a dynamic laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture including maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and QC.
• Conduct molecular biology experiments including DNA/RNA extraction and purification.
• Perform PCR, qPCR, digital PCR, genotyping, and gene expression analyses.
• Conduct protein analyses including SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
• Support development, optimization, and validation of laboratory assays for cancer biology and translational research.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure adherence to quality-control procedures.
• Assist with studies utilizing mouse models of cancer and therapeutic intervention.
• Process, catalog, and maintain human biospecimens and associated inventories.
• Coordinate with clinical staff and laboratories to facilitate sample acquisition and ensure IRB/HIPAA compliance.
• Analyze data and contribute to summaries and reports.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

PCR/qPCR/dPCR

DNA/RNA isolation

Protein analyses (SDS-PAGE, Western)

Data analysis

Animal handling (mouse models)

Biospecimen handling (human tissues,血)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or closely related field

Tools

PCR equipment

DNA/RNA isolation equipment

SDS-PAGE/Western blotting setup

Job description

University of California, Davis is seeking an Associate Specialist to contribute to cancer biology and translational research projects. The role requires extensive molecular and cellular biology expertise, handling human biospecimens, mouse models, and preclinical drug development studies.

The candidate will develop protocols, maintain records, analyze data, and collaborate with investigators to advance diverse research programs in a dynamic laboratory setting.