Summary

The Schiff-Osborne laboratory is a team effort between Rachel Schiff, Ph.D., a molecular biologist and translational research scientist, and C. Kent Osborne, M.D., a clinical scientist and cell biologist. The translational research program in the Schiff-Osborne lab, in close collaboration with clinicians, pathologists, bioinformaticians, and other leading experts in breast cancer, is primarily focused on the estrogen receptor (ER) and the HER2 signaling pathways in breast cancer. The major objectives of this research group are to explore the key oncogenic/signaling networks, develop biomarkers to design tailored targeted therapies, and identify the mechanisms responsible for resistance against targeted treatments. The Research Assistant will also be conducting experiments with animals and cancer research.

Job Duties

• Prepares and conducts laboratory research experiments as well as focusing on animal studies.
• Collects, compiles and analyzes data
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
• Documents results of experiments.
• Selects, evaluates and applies techniques used in routine research.
• Orders laboratory supplies.
• Completes Goods Receipt via SRM/SAP
• Develops and modify computer programs.
• Selects and determines appropriate research procedures.
• Oversees the maintenance of lab equipment, inventory, and environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or a related field. 
• Three years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Cancer research preferred.
• Experience with animal therapeutic related studies.

Other

We are working to:

• Investigate the genomic and epigenomic regulation of ER in hormone therapy resistance and metastasis, with a particular focus on co-regulators of ER and pioneer factors.
• Identify the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors and develop biomarkers.
• Determine the mechanisms by which receptor tyrosine and serine/ threonine kinases cause resistance to endocrine therapies and develop therapies to overcome resistance.
• Characterize ER-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer molecular profiles using clinical specimens and develop multifactorial predictive biomarkers to stratify patients for tailored targeted therapies as well as treatment de-escalation.
• Determine mechanisms of resistance to HER2-targeted therapies and design effective treatment regimens and drug combinations to overcome resistance.
• Delineate the role of circulating tumor cell (CTC) and CTC clusters in breast cancer metastasis and therapy resistance.