Research Associate, Surgery; Thoracic

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The Research Associate 2 in the thoracic oncology laboratory of Gavitt Woodard, MD, FACS, in the Department of Surgery is responsible for performing basic science and translational research related to two ongoing projects:
1) characterizing tumor infiltrating immune cells in lung cancer and
2) characterizing genetics of surgically resected lung tumors in relationship to known T-cell exclusion molecules including PLA2G10. The projects employ a broad range of techniques in the lab including disease modeling, molecular and cellular biology, single-cell RNA sequencing, digital spatial pathology, and other new tissue-based approaches.

• Immunohistochemical stains of tissue followed by visualization using various microscopy techniques including confocal microscopy and basic immunofluorescence/brightfield microscopy.
• Basic molecular biology techniques such as quantitative PCR and Western blots.
• Preparation of mouse and human tissues for bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing as well as for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and analysis.
• Basic tissue culture techniques.
• Use basic software/statistical tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Fiji, etc. Opportunity to develop advanced programming/data analysis skills if desired.
• Assist with data analysis, interpretation, and generation of figure quality data for publication and/or presentations.
• Attend conferences where he/she can network and/or present research data.
• Attend weekly lab meetings.
• Assist with ordering supplies.
• Assist with writing scientific papers, case reports, and reviews, if of interest.

• 5 years of laboratory-based research experience.
• Background in genetics research.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques such as quantitative PCR and Western blots, qPCR, CRISPR/CAs9, Lentiviral.
• Demonstrated experience in omics sequencing.
• Demonstrated experience working with mouse colonies.

• Master's or Ph.D. in the biological or chemical sciences.

• Design, plan, implement, and evaluate complex multifaceted research projects/systems, including method development, adaptation, and validation.
• Collaborate with PI to define research endeavors and the development of research hypothesis and approach.
• Solve complex methodology, protocol, procedural and research problems through design of techniques, procedures and policies that will achieve research goals.
• Develop long‑range plans for supplies and equipment to ensure smooth operation of laboratory.
• Investigate, analyze and evaluate complex data, data collection systems and methods to reach scientific conclusions and ensure the integrity of research data.
• Collaborate with PI to coordinate major lab renovations working with Facilities, Health and Safety, and Purchasing to ensure deadlines, safety standards and purchases are according to plans and within budgets.
• Prepare scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Posting Date: 03/04/2026

Job Category:
Professional

Bargaining Unit: NON

Compensation Grade:
Clinical & Research

Compensation Grade Profile:
Research Associate 2 MS (24)

Salary Range: $68,000.00 – $

Time Type:
Full time

Duration Type:
Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model:
On-site

Background Check Requirements:
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre‑employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check.

Health Requirements:
Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities.…