Research Associate

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support experimental research in hematology, leukemia biology, and immuno-oncology. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with bone marrow-derived cells, hematopoietic and immune assays, and high-dimensional flow cytometry, along with a strong interest in translational cancer research and learning new technologies.

This position will contribute to studies focused on hematopoietic differentiation, leukemia-immune interactions, and immune-based therapeutic strategies, including CAR-T cell approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning, design, and execution of research projects related to hematopoiesis, leukemia, and tumor immunology, including the development and implementation of experimental goals and study objectives.
• Execute and manage research projects using molecular and cellular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR, cloning, bacterial transformation, plasmid isolation, transfection, viral transduction of immune and hematopoietic cells, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
• Perform bone marrow and blood-based assays, including collection, processing, enrichment, and analysis of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, leukemic cells, and immune populations.
• Conduct high-dimensional flow cytometry experiments, including panel design, staining, acquisition, compensation, and basic downstream analysis, with an emphasis on hematopoietic and immune phenotyping.
• Assist with T cell-based functional assays, CAR-T cell generation, and immune effector testing in hematologic and solid tumor models.
• Participate in murine models of leukemia and cancer, including injections, monitoring, bone marrow and tissue collection, and downstream analyses.
• Perform immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, tissue culture, and related assays to support mechanistic studies.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; assist in developing and optimizing new or revised methodologies relevant to hematopoietic and immune research.
• Perform critical analysis of the scientific literature related to hematology, leukemia, and immuno-oncology projects.
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, figures, grant applications, and presentations for national meetings and workshops.
• Maintain accurate records of protocols, results, and inventories; support data organization and presentation.
• Assist with laboratory operations, including inventory management, procurement of supplies, routine maintenance, and coordination of equipment servicing.
• Train and support research staff as needed and participate actively in lab meetings, troubleshooting, and protocol optimization.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 1 year of prior experience in a research laboratory performing hematopoietic, leukemia, or immune-based assays, including molecular biology and/or cellular immunology techniques.
• Comfort working with human and murine blood and bone marrow samples and biosafety level 2 materials.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with bone marrow-derived cells, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell assays, or leukemia models.
• Proficiency in high-dimensional flow cytometry (20 colors), including panel design, compensation, and gating strategies.
• Hands-on experience with T cell transduction, CAR constructs, or gene-editing approaches.
• Prior experience with murine models of leukemia or immune response.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and willingness to learn and adapt to evolving experimental needs.

Key Attributes:

• Detail-oriented, with careful adherence to protocols.
• Strong willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to unfamiliar workflows.
• Reliable, organized, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Positive responsiveness to feedback.
• Positive attitude, scientific curiosity, and motivation to grow in a translational research environment.

Function: Research and Scholarship

Sub Function: Research

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: S1

Additional Information:

The OSUCCC James is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic medical center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nations largest public universities.

The Laboratory of Dr. Maria Velegraki is a part of the OSUCCC James Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO). The PIIO is a comprehensive bench-to-bedside research initiative focused on harnessing the bodys immune system to fight cancer at all levels from prevention to treatment and survivorship. Dr. Velegrakis research focuses on characterizing mechanisms that drive Treg lineage fate and control Treg suppressive functions. Understanding these processes will advance knowledge of Treg-mediated tolerance and its role in the tumor microenvironment, ultimately informing novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy.