Research Associate - Pathology

Under general supervision, performs in vivo procedures and animal care for an NCI-funded pediatric cancer research program that tests new anticancer agents in mouse models of childhood cancers (NCI-PIVOT). Responsibilities include tumor transplantation, drug administration, tumor and health monitoring, imaging, and record keeping, all performed according to approved IACUC protocols and laboratory SOPs. Job Duties Tumor models. Performs subcutaneous and orthotopic (subrenal) tumor transplantation in immunodeficient mice. This includes anesthesia, aseptic technique, analgesia, and post-operative monitoring. Drug administration. Prepares and gives experimental agents by oral gavage and by intravenous (tail vein), intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous injection, following study schedules. Tumor and health monitoring. Measures tumors with Records body weight and body condition score (BCS). Recognizes clinical signs and humane endpoints, and reports concerns promptly to the Pl and veterinary staff. Performs bioluminescence (IVIS) imaging and assists with ultrasound imaging of tumor-bearing mice. Specimen collection and tissue processing. Performs euthanasia according to AVMA guidelines. Collects tumors and tissues, and cryopreserves tumor samples following laboratory SOPs. Hazardous materials. Safely handles chemotherapeutic agents and BSL-2 human-derived tumor tissue, including cage handling and disposal during hazardous-drug periods. Records and compliance. Keeps accurate study records, animal census, and data files. Follows IACUC protocols, institutional policies, and the Guide. Laboratory operations. Maintains procedure areas, equipment, and supplies, and coordinates with Animal Resources staff. Communication and training. Provides clear and timely updates to the Pl, helps train new laboratory members in established procedures, and maintains positive, collaborative working relationships with colleagues and the supervisor. Professional development. Learns new procedures and techniques as research needs change.