POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Islam Lab investigates how inherited susceptibility and chronic intestinal inflammation create distinct but overlapping pathways of colon cancer risk, with the goal of identifying mechanisms that can be targeted for cancer prevention. The Research Scientist will support the development of an independent translational research program focused on colon cancer biology in hereditary and inflammation-associated contexts. The lab is particularly interested in how epithelial signaling, mucosal immune responses, microbial factors, and stromal remodeling contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and prevention.
The Research Scientist will work closely with Dr. Bianca Islam, the Principal Investigator, to help design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments using mouse models, intestinal organoids, patient-derived samples, molecular biology, immunology, tissue-based assays, and genomic technologies. Projects may include studies of epithelial and immune signaling pathways, inflammation-associated tumorigenesis, cancer prevention strategies, and mechanisms that regulate colon cancer susceptibility. The position may also involve preparation and coordination of samples for single-cell, single-nuclei, spatial transcriptomic, or other genomic approaches through institutional cores or collaborative platforms. It is expected that the Research Scientist will apply for grant funding as a Principal Investigator in this area of interest and maintain independent research though submission of subsequent grant applications an needed. The Research Scientist will also participate collaboratively with other Principal Investigators within and external to CWRU.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide scientific oversight of all research projects, including data collection and maintenance. Establish and manage the day-to-day priorities of the research staff. (20%)
With the principal investigator, establish goals and objectives for the efficient and timely completion of projects. Meet regularly with the principal investigator to review and set priorities, staff/student-related issues, and future research staff and planning. (15%)
Independently and with the principal investigator, design, plan, and execute research projects related to hereditary and inflammation-associated colon cancer biology. Perform analysis of experimental data. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. (15%)
Independently write and apply for grants as Principal Investigator. Submit subsequent grant applications as needed to maintain independent research and funding. (5%)
Develop new techniques and protocols to advance research projects within the lab. Train lab members on new techniques. (5%)
Coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Ensure the PI is informed about the results of lab members, and ensure the PI's experimental strategy is explored by lab members and through independent experiments by the Research Scientist. (10%)
Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure pro jects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate trainings for lab members with the EHS and others, as needed. (5%)
Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. (5%)
Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members. Assist with figure preparation, data visualization, literature review, manuscript preparation, and preparation of preliminary data for grant submissions. (5%)
Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab. Assist with regulatory documentation and compliance activities, including IACUC, IBC, IRB, biosafety, animal protocol amendments, and lab safety requirements as applicable. (5%)
Supervise research assistants and technicians. Supervise the research and technical work performed by other lab members, ensuring proper lab procedures are followed, and their safety, and ensuring adequate resources are provided for lab work. (5%)
Operate laboratory equipment and perform tissue-based assays, including histology preparation, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, imaging, image organization, and quantitative analysis. Culture and maintain intestinal organoids and/or cell lines, including passaging, treatment studies, growth assays, differentiation assays, and sample collection for downstream analyses. Perform molecular and immunologic assays, including qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, flow cytometry, RNA/DNA/protein isolation, and related cellular or biochemical techniques. Assist other lab members with general lab maintenance and help oversee and maintain inventory of scientific reagents. (5%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed
University: Regular/Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with the Animal Resource Center, Contact with other departments as needed
External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed
Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians. May supervise Research Associates within the lab. Oversee all lab members including postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of related postdoctoral experience in preferred field(s) of study preferred. Less experience and demonstrated expertise in a particular field of study may be considered.
Education/Licensing: PhD in or similar field of study is required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
Animal handling and husbandry: Ability to safely handle and monitor laboratory mice, assist with husbandry-related procedures, maintain breeding and colony records, and support animal experiments under approved institutional protocols.
Cell culture and BSL-2 laboratory technique: Ability to perform cell culture or organoid culture using sterile technique in a BSL-2 biological safety cabinet, including maintenance, passaging, experimental treatments, sample collection, and adherence to biosafety procedures.
Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University. Excellent technical writing skills required.
Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.
Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.
Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.
Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed. The position may require use of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, GraphPad Prism, ImageJ/Fiji, FlowJo, BioRender, reference management software, electronic lab notebook or inventory systems, and animal colony management databases. Experience with R/RStudio, Python, single-cell or spatial transcriptomics software, and advanced image analysis programs such as QuPath, HALO, or related platforms is preferred but not required.
Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
Must demonstrate compassion for animals within CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed primarily indoors in a laboratory, animal facility, and office setting. The position requires work with laboratory animals, including mouse colony maintenance, animal monitoring, experimental procedures, tissue collection, and related animal research activities in accordance with approved institutional protocols. The position may involve exposure to biological materials and biohazards approved under institutional IBC, IACUC, and/or IRB protocols, as applicable. This may include work with human gastrointestinal tissues, normal gastrointestinal tissues, colorectal cancer tissues, mouse tissues, blood or tissue-derived specimens, cell lines, organoids, and other biological samples. Appropriate biosafety practices, training, personal protective equipment, and institutional safety procedures will be required.
Physical demands may include standing or sitting for extended periods, repetitive hand motions including pipetting and computer work, use of microscopes and laboratory equipment, handling small animals, bending or reaching during laboratory or animal procedures, and occasional lifting or moving of laboratory supplies or equipment. The position requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to safely perform laboratory and animal-related procedures. The position is generally expected to occur during regular business hours; however, occasional early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required to accommodate timed experiments, animal monitoring, tissue harvests, core facility scheduling, or other research needs.
Animal research only: Case's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service "Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to SOM Animal Resource Center Standard Operating Procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting annual salary is $55,000-$70,000, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.
Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.
Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting annual salary is $55,000-$70,000, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.
Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.