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Research Assistant - Department of Oncology

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedResearch Assistant - Department of Oncologyat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

The Khan Lab investigates the metabolic reprogramming that drives liver cancer, with a special focus on HKDC1 and its role as a novel therapeutic target. We use state-of-the-art molecular, metabolic, and translational approaches to uncover metabolic vulnerabilities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and develop first-in-class PROTAC degraders for targeted therapy. The research assistant will play a central role in supporting ongoing projects through experimental work, data analysis, and lab operations. - Perform laboratory techniques including mammalian cell culture, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, metabolic flux assays (e.g., Seahorse), and basic molecular cloning. - Assist in executing experiments in cancer metabolism and therapeutic target validation, including work with preclinical models. - Collect, log, and analyze experimental data; generate figures, graphs, and basic statistical summaries. - Contribute to manuscript preparation, presentations, and research reports. - Maintain laboratory equipment, inventory, and organization to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. - Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and ethical standards.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.

Experience: Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)

Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

Preferred qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field. - Prior research experience in a biomedical laboratory setting preferred (e.g., cell culture, molecular biology techniques). - Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail. - Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment. - Excellent communication skills and commitment to scientific integrity. -Experience with metabolic assays, CRISPR gene editing, or in vivo mouse work. - Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, Microsoft Excel). - Interest in cancer biology, metabolism, and drug discovery. - This position offers hands-on training in cutting-edge cancer metabolism and therapeutic development research. The successful candidate will work closely with the PI and senior researchers, gaining experience relevant to academic, biotech, or medical research careers. Exceptional performance may lead to co-authorship on publications and opportunities for advancement.

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0632 - Oncology

Employment type:

+ Regular Employee

+ Job type: Full Time

+ Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

+ Compensation type: Annual Salary

+ Hourly rate:

+ Salary minimum:

+ Salary hire maximum:

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

Job openings:

+ Number of openings: 1

+ Reposted position: No

+ Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)

+ Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.