Overview In this role you will lead and execute mouse-model and organoid-based cancer research in the dos Santos laboratory within the Department of Oncology. You will design and perform experiments, analyze data, and mentor lab members to ensure rigor and reproducibility. You will collaborate with the PI, trainees, and shared-resource teams to advance studies on cancer initiation, epithelial-stromal interactions, and systemic cancer risk factors. This position offers leadership opportunities with a focus on independent project management and high scientific standards.
Responsibilities- Design, coordinate and execute studies using mouse models of mammary gland biology and breast cancer
- Manage breeding, cohort generation, genotyping, randomization, and longitudinal monitoring
- Perform or supervise animal procedures and tissue collection; maintain experimental timelines
- Assist with IACUC protocol preparation and ensure compliance with animal-welfare policies
- Develop and optimize mammary organoid cultures; conduct organoid assays and co-culture systems
- Perform and supervise molecular/cellular assays (flow cytometry, IF, IHC, microscopy, Western blot, qPCR, ELISA) and prepare samples for RNA-seq and other molecular analyses
- Support data analysis using statistical/computational methods; interpret results
- Present findings in lab and departmental settings; promote cross-team coordination
- Provide training and mentorship in animal procedures and experimental techniques
Key requirements- Experience with mouse models and animal experimentation
- Experience with primary cell culture, organoids or tissue-derived systems
- Strong understanding of experimental design, reproducibility, and quantitative data interpretation
- Ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and document complex experiments
- Strong organizational and oral-communication skills
- PhD or equivalent strongly preferred; experience levels for Associate Scientist align with 7+ years(PhD), 5+ years(Master), or 2+ years(PHD) as per role level
- organizational skills
- oral communication
- troubleshooting
- mouse models and animal experimentation
- organoid culture and 3D systems
- flow cytometry
