Summary

The Research Associate will conduct independent research within the Erwin Lab focused on tandem repeat (TR) biology and repeat expansion diseases, with a primary emphasis on recurrent repeat expansions in cancer genomes. This position combines rigorous bench science—primarily using cancer cell line models—with grant writing support and trainee mentorship. The ideal candidate brings expertise in molecular and cancer biology, hands-on experience with tandem repeat biology, and a collaborative mindset suited to a dynamic and rapidly growing research program. The position offers significant scientific independence while contributing to lab-wide research and operational goals.

Job Duties

• Designs and executes an independent research project investigating recurrent repeat expansions in human cancer genomes, using cancer cell lines as the primary experimental model.
• Responsibilities include experimental design, data collection and analysis, and presentation of findings at lab meetings and conferences.
• Conduct PCR-based repeat sizing, cell-based proliferation and viability assays, long-read sequencing analysis, and CRISPR-based approaches relevant to tandem repeat biology.
• Assists in writing, editing, and submitting grant applications and progress reports to federal agencies (e.g., NIH, DoD) and private foundations (current active awards total ~$2.4M+).
• Contributes to manuscript drafting and preparation for peer-reviewed publication.
• Assists with day-to-day lab management including equipment maintenance, reagent ordering, cell line databases, and quality control protocols (e.g., mycoplasma testing).
• Supports onboarding and integration of new lab members. 
• Mentors graduate students, undergraduate students, and rotating trainees in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Guides trainees toward the completion of independent projects and supports their development as scientists.
• Participates in lab journal clubs, seminars, and departmental events.
• May assist with laboratory safety compliance and protocol documentation as needed. 
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Basic Science or a related field.  Experience in lieu of degree will not be accepted.
• Three years of relevant experience typically as a Research Assistant, Research Technician or Postdoctoral Fellow/Associate.

Department Specific Criteria

• At least 1 year of hands-on experience with tandem repeat biology, including repeat expansion diseases or TR instability research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cancer cell line models and standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, cell-based assays, CRISPR-Cas9) strongly preferred.
• Experience with scientific writing, grant preparation, and/or student mentorship is a plus.
• Familiarity with long-read sequencing platforms (e.g., PacBio HiFi) and bioinformatic analysis of genomic repeat data is highly desirable.
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced, multi-project research environment and motivated to contribute to high-impact publications and competitive grant renewals.