A Special Project Associate II position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Adam Kase for a motivated and creative individual that loves discovery through research in the field of cancer biology.  

Dr. Kase is a genitourinary medical oncologist, physician scientist, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL.  He earned his medical degree from Mercer University and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic in Florida. Dr. Kase has trained and continues strong collaborative projects with Dr. John “Al” Copland and others toward developing new technologies with the goal towards clinical innovation. 

While Dr. Kase’s laboratory is starting anew, seasoned staff in the Copland lab will train and support this new position. Research projects involve testing novel therapeutics in cell culture and in vivo as well as utilizing molecular technologies to probe mechanism(s) of action of expressed genes and/or therapies. Molecular skills such as DNA, RNA and protein analysis and molecular manipulation of cells is preferred. 

The lab focuses upon discovery and mapping signaling pathways key to cancer biology, some of which have led to development of novel potential therapeutics moving to clinical trials. Mayo Clinic is the only National NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the U.S. 

Key Responsibilities include: 

• Projects may involve drug testing and analysis of patient tumor tissue derived cells in 3-dimensional cultures, patient tumor derived xenograft mouse models, novel transgenic mouse models, drug screening. 

• Develop skill sets in utilizing molecular technologies to map signaling pathways for newly discovered therapeutic targets in cancer. Projects ranges from novel targets to promising therapeutics (small molecule, antibody, CAR T) in development towards clinical trials. 

• Working closely with Dr. Adam Kase as well as the Copland laboratory in developing and implementing project(s), together with a multi-disciplinary team representing immunologists, pharmacologists, experts in in silico drug modeling, oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, bioinformatic experts, statisticians, clinical trialists, and business development experts. 

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team is essential. 

• The highly collegial and collaborative environment at Mayo Clinic and the discovery-based nature of these projects will foster multidisciplinary thinking. 

• Participating in local seminars, lectures, poster sessions for continued education as well as presentation at national meetings if work merits submission and acceptance 

• Once experienced in the lab, supervise junior lab members or students and assist with other research projects 

Kase profile link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/kase-adam-m-m-d/bio-20543157

Copland profile link: https://www.mayo.edu/research/labs/cancer-biology-translational-research/overview

Copland publications link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=copland%20ja

Applicant should have good command of the English language.

The position is considered non-exempt (hourly), and therefore, all hours worked must be recorded. A Special Project Associate at Mayo Clinic is a temporary position intended to execute experimental studies in support of lab goals and grant commitments as designated by the Principal Investigator. 

Upon background check and CCATS Executive Committee approval, Special Project Associate may have patient/research subject contact directly relating to and incidental to the original research program. 

Proof of English proficiency is required for J-1 Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors, Specialists, and Student Interns sponsored by Mayo Clinic.

The following is required for completeness of application: Current curriculum vitae with bibliography, Proof of highest degree received (if awarded a Bachelor's or Master's degree). Please also be prepared that you may be asked to provide two letters of recommendation to the hiring PI prior to an interview.

Bachelor degree required and experience required in lab project or research work in an educational or work setting. Candidate must have a solid understanding of lab techniques, equipment, and safety.