In Vivo Research Assistant

at  START Center for Cancer Research

XenoSTART, the preclinical division of START is a translational research organization focused on creating relevant preclinical cancer models. Our xenograft models represent each cancer type and disease stage and are established from patients at our domestic and international cancer centers. The XenoSTART Patient-Derived Xenograft (XPDX) platform includes over 2,500 models annotated with each donor patient’s cancer treatment and outcome data and characterized using IHC, DNA/RNA sequencing, and relevant in vivo drug efficacy.

Our XPDX models are clinically annotated and include patient treatment history and outcome and are characterized through genomic profiling, histologic analysis, and in vivo drug sensitivity to relevant standards of care. These models may be utilized in the following manner:

• In vivo PK/PD and efficacy studies
• In vivo efficacy panel screens (indication or target focused)
• In licensing of models for internal studies
• Custom model development
• Orthotopic and radiotherapy studies
• Ex vivo and organoid studies

We are hiring an In Vivo Research Assistant at our XenoSTART location. This role involves the collection of data obtained from industry sponsored and investigator-initiated studies. In addition, this position entails all procedures involved with small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, drug preparation and dosing and other related duties for the START Preclinical Group.

Essential Responsibilities

• Collects internally generated data including small animal body weights and tumor dimensions using mechanical and electronic devices and stores it on the internal server.
• Perform day-to-day procedures including but not limited to small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, anesthesia, cell culture, blood and tissue collection and processing, tumor implantation, cell injection, euthanasia, sample processing including cryopreservation, cryofreezing and fixation, sterilization, maintenance and cleaning.
• Prepare, aliquot and properly store vehicles, drugs, media and other laboratory solutions.
• Administer agents by various routes on various dosing schedules.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma/GED required
• Bachelor’s degree, preferred
• At least 3 years of experience
• Knowledge and training in animal handling and research preferred
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Office applications

• Collects internally generated data including small animal body weights and tumor dimensions using mechanical and electronic devices and stores it on the internal server.
• Perform day-to-day procedures including but not limited to small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, anesthesia, cell culture, blood and tissue collection and processing, tumor implantation, cell injection, euthanasia, sample processing including cryopreservation, cryofreezing and fixation, sterilization, maintenance and cleaning.
• Prepare, aliquot and properly store vehicles, drugs, media and other laboratory solutions.
• Administer agents by various routes on various dosing schedules