Research Associate

Position Focus:
Reporting to the lead coordinator, the research associate will coordinate multi-faceted translational research projects operated through the Thoracic Oncology group at the Yale Cancer Center. This position will serve as the primary interface between the clinical and laboratory settings. With a high degree of independence, the research associate will coordinate with University and hospital departments as well as collaborating research laboratories to successfully collect, process, distribute and analyze research specimens and data. Responsibilities will include patient recruitment, procurement and distribution of specimens, data management and analysis. The research associate will assist in development, implementation and maintenance of original research protocols as well as preparation of manuscripts, presentations and publications. In the laboratory, position will include processing of human blood and tissue specimens, culture of cells lines, generation of patient derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models and extraction of nucleic acids.

Essential Duties:

1. Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority. 2. Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning 3. Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly. 4. Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports. 5. Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning. 6. Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory. 7. Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments. 8. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Ability to work independently as well as function effectively within a team environment.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and multitask.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to interact successfully with patients, staff and investigators in a clinical research and academic environment.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Ability to manage and extract data for multiple projects accurately and in a timely manner.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

Experience coordinating clinical research studies in oncology. Knowledge of human subjects research regulations. Experience handling human blood/tissue samples.