Staff Research Associate I - Cancer Biomarker Research

Join an innovative research team dedicated to advancing the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer through the discovery and validation of novel biomarkers. This laboratory focuses on translational cancer research with an emphasis on discovering and validating cancer biomarkers in tumor tissue, extracellular vesicles (exosomes), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA), as well as developing and validating molecular assays to improve patient outcomes. Primary responsibilities include:

• Process human biofluids and perform the isolation and purification of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA).

• Manage and maintain laboratory biospecimen repositories, including plasma samples, isolated exosomes, and extracted cfDNA, while ensuring compliance with established protocols and quality standards.

• Perform and optimize laboratory assays and analytical workflows, including ELISA and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation techniques.

• Conduct quantitative analysis of cancer biomarkers in tumor tissue specimens, exosomal cargo (including proteins), and cfDNA/ctDNA samples.

• Support routine laboratory operations through reagent inventory management, procurement, equipment upkeep, and general laboratory maintenance.

• Train and mentor undergraduate students on laboratory techniques, procedures, and best practices.

• Collaborate with researchers and laboratory staff to support ongoing biomedical research projects and scientific innovation.

Salary Range: $30.12/hour - $35.92/hour

• Experience conducting literature reviews

• Familiarity with liquid biopsy, extracellular vesicles (exosomes), and/or cancer biomarker research

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and work effectively in a fast-paced research environment

• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team

• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular biology, cancer biology, or biomarker research – preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences – preferred

As a condition of employment , the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.