Research Assistant - Translational Cancer Rehabilitation Lab

About the Translational Cancer Rehabilitation Lab

Our lab studies the physiologic mechanisms that lead to change in physical or cognitive function for patients with cancer. In particular, we are currently focused on cachexia syndrome, a muscle wasting disorder that affects a majority of patients with cancer, along with many other chronic diseases. We use both pre-clinical models and clinical databases to investigate the key molecular factors that control physical recovery from cachexia.

Principal Investigator: Ishan Roy

The Research Assistant - Biologics Lab will work in a team structure to support the development and implementation of preclinical and translational research projects relevant to skeletal muscle, physical, or cognitive rehabilitation, as well as function related biomarker discovery in patients with cancer. Uses cellular, molecular and genomic approaches, patient-derived samples and animal models to help dissect processes of muscle impairment and therapy outcomes in these patient populations.

The Research Assistant will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Research Assistant will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Assists with executing and interpreting research pertaining to muscle wasting and function in patients with cancer and related animal models.
2. Assists with the development and execution of preclinical and clinical studies that investigate multi-modal treatment of cancer related muscle wasting (known as cachexia).
3. Handles gross dissection, histologic analysis, and biochemical analysis of tissues including muscle and other cachexia related organs.
4. Creates/modifies and submits protocols with the institutional review board (IRB) and the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC).
5. Explains research and clinical studies to patients and family members, requesting participation and obtaining informed consent for collection of muscle biopsies and other biologics.
6. Performs basic animal handling for functional assays and performs basic animal related surgical procedures for pre-clinical model development.
7. Assists with developing, submitting and publishing the results of research projects in high quality journals and to present data to public conferences/seminars when needed.
8. Participates in weekly lab meetings, journal clubs and seminars.
9. Builds and maintains a journal of own laboratory protocols, experiments, results and analyses.

Reporting Relationships

1. Reports directly to Lab Manager, Research Scientist, or Project Director

Working Conditions

1. Normal office/research laboratory environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
2. May involve travel to other hospital/research sites and possibly to participants' homes. Interviews/experiments may require flexible day, evening and/or weekend hours.

Job Requirements:

1. Bachelor degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, or related scientific field.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
3. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills needed to participate as a creative member of a growing research team.
4. Ability to exchange ideas and to work closely with clinicians, physical and occupational therapists, patients and professional organizations.
5. Willingness to network within the Institute and to independently strengthen/develop new external collaborations.
6. Ability to timely plan and to coordinate project completions

About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you will be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You'll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You'll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You'll play a role in something that's never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes - as we Advance Human Ability, together.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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