TSAI LAB

Skin cancer is the most common group of cancers in humans. Whereas melanoma has over 25 FDA-approved therapies, highly lethal high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have but a handful. The Tsai Lab seeks to address these unmet needs.

We combine cross-species analysis of UV-driven mouse models of skin cancer with deep interrogation of human tumor samples to develop novel chemoprevention and therapeutic strategies for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. The PI, Dr. Kenneth Y. Tsai, MD, Ph.D., is a dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and NIH-funded investigator with extensive experience in mouse models of cancer, molecular biology, and in the diagnosis and research of skin cancer. He Co-Directs the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Center of Excellence, which is committed to the advancement of translational research to improve the prevention and therapy of advanced skin cancers. ([email protected])

Position Highlights:  

• The Research Scientist is a non-tenure track researcher who assumes the direct responsibility of conducting and performing experiments or directly overseeing experimentation as part of a research team under the general guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI).
• The Research Scientist only activity is research and related support activities and the efforts of the Research Scientist are focused on the goals of the laboratory they are part of. 
• Work in a dynamic, highly collaborative, supportive, and lively scientific environment pursuing research with direct translational relevance in skin cancer treatment and prevention
• Have independent responsibility for initiating, pursuing and validating novel experimental approaches
• Gain intensive experience in state-of-the-art research methods (next-generation sequencing, proteomics, circulating tumor cells / DNA, in-vivo imaging, metabolomics, mouse models, mathematical modeling) as well as the development of presentation and writing skills with regular and frequent contact with the PI

Ideal Candidate:

• Is proficient in the analysis and design of experiments in molecular biology, genomics,  next-generation sequencing, and in-vivo mouse models of cancer
• Is a strong communicator who will be very engaged and hands-on with fellow lab mates, the PI, and outside collaborators, providers, and associates across the care continuum, as well as the broader leadership at Moffitt
• Possesses familiarity  with contemporary molecular methodologies for deep biological interrogation of human tumor and skin samples including genomics, proteomics, basic informatics

Responsibilities:

• Plans and performs experiments directed toward answering specific scientific questions under the general guidance of PI
• Interacts closely with PI and other researchers within the laboratory and conducts relevant background research including literature searches and reviews.
• Assists in planning and developing research projects within the laboratory under the PI's direction.
• May work individually or may have significant oversight over other less experienced research personnel.
• Trains new staff and serves as a resource to other members of the laboratory as directed by the PI
• Responsible for the collection, organization, analysis and documentation of data as directed by the overseeing PI. Capable of independent analysis of data and documentation of results.

Credentials and Qualifications:

• Minimum of an M.D. or Ph.D. in Biological Science or related field with 3 to 5 years of postdoctoral experience is required.