Research Associate, Shilatifard Lab

About the Role

Research Associate will conduct laboratory research on chromatin regulation, epigenetics, and cancer biology, supporting studies of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. The position will perform cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemical experiments; analyze and document results; and contribute to collaborative research and laboratory operations under the direction of the principal investigator.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, perform, and troubleshoot molecular biology and biochemical experiments, including nucleic acid isolation, PCR, cloning, protein extraction, immunoblotting, and functional assays. Optimize protocols and maintain appropriate controls to generate reliable, reproducible results.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and conduct cell-based experiments, including genetic perturbation, drug treatment, and proliferation or viability assays. Support organoid culture and development of disease-relevant cellular models as projects require and training permits.
• Support preclinical therapeutic studies, including compound screening, dose-response testing, and evaluation of drug mechanisms. Participate in animal studies, sample collection, and tissue processing as assigned, after completing required training and protocol authorization.
• Prepare and process samples for sequencing-based studies, such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and CUT&RUN, as assigned.
• Analyze experimental data, maintain complete research records, and prepare figures and summaries for laboratory meetings, manuscripts, and grant applications.
• Coordinate day-to-day research activities, maintain reagents and equipment, and assist with purchasing and inventory.
• Train laboratory members in established techniques and follow institutional laboratory safety, biosafety, and animal-care requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field; OR at least three years of relevant laboratory research experience in these areas.
• Hands-on research experience in mammalian tissue culture, basic molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Ability to maintain mammalian cell cultures using aseptic techniques and perform routine molecular biology and biochemical assays.
• Ability to follow and optimize protocols, troubleshoot experiments, use appropriate controls, and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills, with the ability to manage multiple experiments and work independently after training.
• Ability to analyze and present experimental results using standard scientific software and comply with laboratory safety requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience with organoid culture, laboratory animal models, drug discovery or development, and sequencing-related experiments.
• Research experience in epigenetics, chromatin biology, cancer biology, or related areas.
• Ability to establish and maintain organoid cultures and perform assays using disease-relevant models.
• Proficiency in animal handling, preclinical study procedures, and tissue collection under approved protocols.
• Ability to design and evaluate compound screens, dose-response experiments, and mechanistic studies of drug activity.
• Familiarity with sequencing sample preparation, library preparation, quality control, and basic analysis of genomic or transcriptomic data.