The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection of cancer when the disease is most treatable.

 

An exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced researcher to join the Dr. Anupriya Agarwal  Laboratory at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute as a Senior Research Assistant in Portland, OR, to study the mechanisms of leukemia initiation and drug resistance using multi-omics approaches.

 

For the past twenty years, Dr. Agarwal and her team have focused on identifying novel signaling pathways that are requisite for leukemia initiation, clonal evolution, and drug resistance. The new team member will help lead the project focused on understanding the mechanisms of leukemia initiation and drug resistance in a context-dependent manner using single-cell OMICS approaches, particularly epigenetic mechanisms. Applicants must possess strong technical and organizational skills and the ability to manage an independent project.

 

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with major courses in research and a minimum of three years of relevant laboratory experience in cellular and molecular biology is required. Laboratory and/or computational expertise in molecular/cellular biology, cancer biology, or a related field is preferred. Experience with flow cytometry and animal models of disease would be especially beneficial in handling patient biospecimens (blood). Achieving this position requires the researcher to demonstrate a satisfactory track record of scholarly activity and a highly organized, strong work ethic. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is capable and willing to make maximum use of excellent facilities and a productive environment.

 

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is a pioneer in personalized cancer treatment and research, led by Dr. Brian Druker, whose development of Gleevec transformed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia from a fatal disease to a manageable one and proved that targeted therapies can work. The institute focuses on precision oncology, the early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer, and creating a welcoming and supportive environment for its caregivers, researchers, and support personnel. Knight affiliates subscribe to three guiding principles: we are bold, we are supportive, and we work as a connected team in our fight to end cancer as we know it.  We’d love for you to join us!

 

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles: 

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

• WET LAB: Duties will include molecular and cellular biology assays, biochemistry assays, mammalian primary cell cultures, flow cytometry, in-vivo models using mouse models and patient samples. Data collection. Process and maintain patient sample repository. As needed, learn techniques and experimental systems to meet Agarwal laboratory research program goals.
• Operate a variety of instruments and scientific equipment, including quality control and maintenance. Order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies or prepare chemical solutions occasionally
• Read literature applicable to research areas as required and actively participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions. Will be asked to present data to group in a seminar format.

Education & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree ( 4 years) or Master's degree with major courses in the field of research,  with  2- 3 years of relevant experience

 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Proficient with computers, specifically MS Office (which includes Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) and statistical analysis software.
• Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety, animal, and radiation.
• Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaborative ability, and independent thinker
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a high-performing workgroup
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly
• Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols.

• Master’s degree in science or technology, 4 or more years of related laboratory experience
• Prior laboratory experience
• Mouse handling, mouse colony maintenance, Flow cytometry, Cloning, sequencing, excellent writing and communication skills
• Experience in sequencing techniques

Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.

 

We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
  • Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
• Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
• 25 days a year of paid time off
• 8 days of sick time off
• Commuter subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
• Annual Merit Increase
• Growth/Development Opportunities
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses

  

#linkedin #indeed #knightcancerjobs #knightresearchandlabjobs #knightresearchjobs  

 

 

Relevant publications for the position are below:

1. Lin HY, M Hosseini M, McClatchy J, Villamor-Payà M, Jeng S, Bottomly D, Tsai CF, Posso C, Jacobson J, Adey AC, Gosline SJC, Liu T, McWeeney SK, Stracker TH, Agarwal A*. The TLK-ASF1 histone chaperone pathway plays a critical role in IL-1b-mediated AML progression. Blood. 2024 Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38498025. * Corresponding author
2. Modak RV, de Oliveira Rebola KG, McClatchy J, Mohammadhosseini M, Damnernsawad A, Kurtz SE, Eide CA, Wu G, Laderas T, Nechiporuk T, Gritsenko MA, Hansen JR, Hutchinson C, Gosline SJC, Piehowski P, Bottomly D, Short N, Rodland K, McWeeney SK, Tyner JW, Agarwal A*. Targeting CCL2/CCR2 signaling overcomes MEK inhibitor resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Clin Cancer Res. 2024. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38451486. * Corresponding author
3. McClatchy J, Strogantsev R, Wolfe E, Estabrook J, Lin, HY, Mohammadhosseini M, Davis BA, Eden C, Goldman D, Fleming WH, Cimmino L, Mohammed H, Agarwal A*. Clonal hematopoiesis-related TET2 loss-of-function impedes IL1β-mediated epigenetic reprogramming in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Nature Communications 2023, 8102 PMC10703894* Corresponding author
4. Yang F, Long N, Anekpuritanang T, Bottomly D, Savage JC, Lee T, Solis-Ruiz J, Borate U, Wilmot B, Tognon C, Bock AM, Pollyea DA, Radhakrishnan S, Radhakrishnan S, Patel P, Collins RH, Tantravahi S, Deininger MW, Fan G, Druker B, Shinde U, Tyner JW, Press RD, McWeeney S, Agarwal A*. Identification and prioritization of myeloid malignancy germline variants in a large cohort of adult AML patients. Blood. 2022, 139(8): 1208-1221 PMC9211447, *Corresponding author. Prospective in ASH Clinical News, Selected for Podcast and Commentary in Blood 2022.
5. Kurtz S, Eide CA, Kaempf A, Long N, Bottomly D, Nikolova O, Druker BJ, McWeeney SK, Tyner JW^, Agarwal A. Associating Ex Vivo Drug Sensitivity with Differentiation Status Identifies Effective Drug Combinations for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Blood Advances 2022, 6(10): 3062-3067.
6. Hosseini MH, Kurtz SE, Abdelhamed S, Mahmood S, Davare, MA, Kaempf A, Elferich J, McDermott JE, Liu T, Payne SH, Shinde U, Rodland KD, Mori M, Druker BJ, Singer JK, Agarwal Inhibition of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 is a therapeutic strategy for acute myeloid leukemia subtypes. Leukemia. 2018, 32(11):2374-87. PMC6558520
7. Carey A, Edwards D, Eide C A, Newell L, Traer E, Medeiros B, Pollyea DA, Deininger MW, Collins R, Tyner J W, Druker B J, Bagby G C, McWeeney S, Agarwal A*. Identification of interleukin-1 by functional screening as a key mediator of cellular expansion and disease progression in acute myeloid leukemia. Cell 2017, 18(13):3204-18. PMC5437102

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.