Associate Specialist - Lucchesi Lab

The Department of Urologic Surgery at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full-time Specialist at the Associate rank in 3D tumor modeling and translational bladder cancer research.

The Lucchesi Lab is focused on the development and optimization of patient-derived, 3D-bioprinted tumor models to investigate immune checkpoint inhibitor responses in GU cancers. The Specialist will contribute to research projects by supporting the bioprinting, culture, and therapeutic testing of GU tumoroids incorporating autologous immune components. This position requires specialized expertise in tissue engineering, cell culture, and translational oncology, with an emphasis on ex vivo model development and functional drug screening.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (70% EFFORT)

A. Contributes to multiple ongoing translational bladder cancer research projects, including the development of 3D-bioprinted tumoroid models incorporating autologous immune components.

i. Leads efforts in characterization of patient-derived tissues and tumoroid constructs, performing and interpreting multiplex assays to assess tumor morphology, stromal interactions, and immune infiltration.

ii. Contributes to the experimental design and optimization of ex vivo assays measuring immune response to checkpoint inhibitors and other therapeutic agents. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the incumbent will provide technical guidance in tumor-immune modeling and support integration of histologic findings with cytokine profiling, flow cytometry, and single-cell transcriptomic data.

B. Plays a central role in studies evaluating the anti-cancer efficacy of Nimbolide in preclinical bladder cancer models.

i. Oversees the preparation and treatment of 3D-bioprinted patient-derived tumoroids with Nimbolide and is responsible for histological and molecular assessments of treatment response. This includes quantifying tumor cell death, immune activation, and stromal remodeling following treatment using a combination of histopathology, multiplex immunostaining, and biomarker analysis.

C. Engages in efforts to characterize the role of ANGEL2, a mitochondrial protein implicated in cancer progression and immune evasion.

ii. Leads the validation and expression profiling of ANGEL2 across bladder cancer specimens and tumoroid models, investigating its association with immunogenicity, TME remodeling, and response to therapy.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (2.5% EFFORT)

A. Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts and figures for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Participates in internal and external presentations to academic audiences and scientific societies.

B. Assist in the development and review of research proposals related to bladder cancer modeling, immune profiling, and tumor histopathology.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2.5% EFFORT)

A. Engages with UC Davis core facilities and research support units (e.g., pathology, imaging, and flow cytometry cores) to enhance project outcomes and strengthen collaborative networks. Collaborates with relevant clinical and research personnel to support institutional research goals.

B. Participates in committee and departmental activities, including mentorship

and technical training of junior researchers, as appropriate.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Lucchesi and must show the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

This recruitment is conducted at the Associate rank. The resulting hire will be at the Associate rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. The University will not offer sponsorship of a visa for this position.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07160. This position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2025.

To learn more about the Department of Urologic Surgery at UC Davis, please visit: http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/urology/

* A bachelor's degree plus three or more years of research experience or a master's degree in a relevant discipline

* At least 6 years of experience in oncology research, cellular and molecular biology, or a related biomedical field, with a demonstrated focus on 3D tumor model development, ex vivo assay optimization, or tumor-immune interaction studies

* Experience with specific technologies, procedures, or research methods including siRNA design and utilization, quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, primary cell culture, and 3D bioprinting of tumor models. Additional expertise in co-culture systems, ex vivo immune assays, and functional drug screening is highly desirable

* Evidence of academic accomplishment such as refereed journal papers and

conference presentations

* Demonstrated strong organizational skills

* Excellent written and oral communication skills

* Demonstrated publishable research contributions

* The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. The University will not offer sponsorship of a visa for this position.

* Active participation in professional and/or technical organizations relevant to biomedical research, oncology, or tissue engineering

* Recent presentations at national or international scientific meetings, conferences, or symposia

* Experience with human tissue handling and biobanking in compliance with IRB protocols and HIPAA regulations

* Background in translational cancer research, particularly in bladder cancer or tumor immunology

* Familiarity with immune checkpoint inhibitor mechanisms and ex vivo drug testing platforms

* Proficiency in designing and executing siRNA-based gene silencing experiments

* Experience working with interdisciplinary teams involving pathology, immunology, and computational biology

* Strong organizational skills in coordinating multi-site or multi-investigator projects

* Prior exposure to grant-supported research (e.g., NIH R-type mechanisms)

* Demonstrated familiarity with UC Davis laboratory research, systems and processes

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

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