RESEARCH SPECIALIST SR

Biological Sciences in the College of Arts & Science

The Senior Research Specialist will be an integral part of a dynamic and ambitious research team, working on collaborative projects between the DeFigueiredo and Chabu laboratories. This role involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the understanding of how engineered bacterial strains can target and remodel the tumor immune microenvironment in solid cancers. The work requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment.

The Senior Research Specialist will be an integral part of a dynamic and ambitious research team, working on collaborative projects between the DeFigueiredo and Chabu laboratories. This role involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the understanding of how engineered bacterial strains can target and remodel the tumor immune microenvironment in solid cancers. The work requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment. The Senior Research Specialist will be an integral part of a dynamic and ambitious research team, working on collaborative projects between the DeFigueiredo and Chabu laboratories. This role involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the understanding of how engineered bacterial strains can target and remodel the tumor immune microenvironment in solid cancer. The work requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong conceptual understanding of cancer biology, immunology, and microbiology and be proficient in molecular biology and immune cell-profiling (FACS, Spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis) techniques. Also, the candidate will possess demonstrably strong problem-solving skills.

This position will begin in early 2025.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the efficacy of genetically engineered bacterial strains in pancreatic cancer models
• Perform bacterial colonization and tumor immune profiling studies
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to integrate bacterial therapies with existing chemotherapies and immunotherapies
• Prepare studies and reports on research findings
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, grant applications, and progress reports
• Support junior scientists and laboratory technicians by assisting with training in experimental techniques, adherence to protocols, and fostering a collaborative and productive laboratory environment

Generally, 40 hours Monday - Friday with flexible hours with supervisor approval. Occasional travel may be involved but not required.

Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Master's degree in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, or a related field
• Prior experience in microbial or tumor immunology
• Experience with in vivo cancer models, particularly pancreatic cancer
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9, and gene expression analysis
• Working knowledge of mouse cancer models and mouse handling
• Experience with bacterial engineering and microbial therapies
• Knowledge of tumor microenvironment and stromal biology

Salary Range: $58,000 to $63,000 per year

Grade: GGS - 09E

University Title: Senior Research Specialist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter highlighting relevant interest and experience and a CV or resume.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.