Viswanath Lab – Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist Full-time

Viswanath Lab – Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist

The Viswanath Lab is seeking a Junior, Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist. The Specialist will join the PI's laboratory as a preclinical scientist on a research program focused on pediatric and adult high-grade gliomas, including diffuse midline glioma and IDH-mutant glioma. The position involves the design, execution, and analysis of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies aimed at identifying and validating new therapeutic strategies and imaging biomarkers for these tumors. The Specialist will work closely with the PI and collaborate with the broader initiative team, including a co-leading laboratory and shared research staff.

Responsibilities include:

• In vitro studies, including the culture and characterization of patient-derived glioma cell lines and organoids, drug response and combination studies, and mechanistic assays to evaluate target engagement and downstream signaling.
• Key focus on immunometabolism, including characterization of metabolic states in tumor and immune compartments, isotope tracing studies, and analysis of how metabolic perturbations affect tumor-immune interactions in the brain tumor microenvironment.
• In vivo responsibilities include orthotopic implantation of patient-derived and syngeneic glioma models, drug administration via relevant routes, longitudinal monitoring by bioluminescence imaging and other modalities, and survival studies. The Specialist will also contribute to pharmacokinetic and brain penetration assessments of candidate compounds, in coordination with collaborating laboratories.
• Work collaboratively with the larger initiative team and will be expected to contribute to experimental planning, data analysis, presentation at internal and external meetings, and preparation of figures and text for manuscripts and grant submissions.
• Full compliance with IACUC and Biological Use Authorization (BUA) guidelines is a mandatory requirement of this position. The Specialist will be expected to complete all required training, work within approved protocols, maintain accurate records, and follow institutional standards for animal welfare and biosafety at all times.

Required Qualifications:

• Specialists appointed at the Junior rank must possess a baccalaureate degree in a related science (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience.
• Specialists appointed at the Assistant rank must possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or a baccalaureate degree with three or more years of research experience.
• Specialists appointed at the Associate rank must possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of research experience.
• Specialists appointed at the Full rank must possess a terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of research experience.
• Applicants must meet all the qualifications by the time of hire.
• Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer biology, immunology, neuroscience, or a related discipline, with at least six years of relevant postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, including patient-derived organoid culture, and in standard molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Experience with orthotopic implantation of tumors in mice, in vivo bioluminescence imaging, and rodent drug administration.
• Experience with flow cytometry, including immunophenotyping and sorting.
• Experience with brain tumor models, including pediatric high-grade glioma or diffuse midline glioma.
• Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing sample preparation and analysis. Familiarity with immunometabolism, isotope tracing, or metabolomics workflows.
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and high-throughput drug screening.
• Prior experience working under IACUC and biosafety protocols in academic research.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000-$194,800.