The Project Scientist works independently and in cooperation with the Principal Investigator to make significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in any academic discipline. The Project Scientist may be an ongoing member of a research team or may be employed for a limited period of time to contribute high-level skills to a specific research or creative program. Project Scientists are not required to carry out independent research or to develop an independent research reputation and do not have teaching responsibilities. Ordinarily, the Project Scientist title will carry out research or creative programs as well as administration of day-to-day lab operations with supervision by a member of the Professorial Series. 

Dr. Megan Hitchins Laboratory specific –

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies
Maintenance of chemical inventory and sample database
Safe handling and processing of human blood, saliva, semen, formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks, and other clinical samples
Conduct genetic, epigenetic, and other molecular biology protocols accurately and reproducibly to generate original data from a high volume of samples
Dealing with high volumes of biospecimens and interfacing with the biorepositories and core facilities
Perform raw data analyses for genetic and epigenetic variation
Draft sections of manuscripts or figures for publication in scientific journals and/or grant applications

Educational Requirements:
M.D. or Ph.D or highest degree in their field.
Demonstrated significant, original, and creative contributions to a research or creative program or project
in area of specialization, as applicable.

License/Certification/Registration Requirements:
The following certifications of training will need to be completed and maintained:
CITI Institutional Review Board training in research involving human subjects
Training in the safe handling of biological and hazardous substances
Department of Transport training in the shipment of hazardous substances
HIPAA training for protection of human subjects

Experience:
Completion of postdoctoral appointment or extensive experience in the area of cancer genetics, epigenetics, and/or molecular biology. Knowledge of cancer genetics, epigenetics, and/or molecular epidemiology. Demonstrated technical competency in a variety of research techniques and protocols pertaining to the analyses of genetic and epigenetic variation and gene expression states. Experience handling large sample volumes and database.

Familiarity with, or ability to rapidly learn, the following wet-laboratory techniques: Sterile cell culture and cryopreservation; Microdissection of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples of tumor blocks; Sectioning of tumor blocks; generation of tissue microarrays; DNA and RNA extractions from fresh, frozen, and FFPE tissues; cDNA synthesis and reverse transcriptase PCR; PCR and real-time PCR; Generation of libraries for whole genome sequencing and whole genome bisulfite sequencing; Cloning and culture of bacterial colonies containing recombinant DNA; Gel electrophoresis; Western blotting; Pyrosequencing; Sodium bisulfite conversion of genomic DNA for methylation analyses. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, DNA sequence analysis and alignment programs (e.g. DNAStar, BLAT, BLAST), primer design software

Physical Demands:
Able to sit for moderate periods of time. Able to use a computer workstation for moderate periods of time. Able to sit, stand and walk for prolonged periods of time. Able to read papers online and documents. Able to operate standard office equipment. Able to exercise physical ability and perspective acuity to satisfactorily perform essential job functions