University of Louisville·Aurora, Colorado
Support clinical and translational research in surgical oncology by managing biospecimen collection and biorepository operations. Perform laboratory assays and ex vivo tumor analysis using the Elephas Live Platform to assess therapeutic responses.
Time Type: Full time
Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. May require professional certification. Grade 4 (Hourly)
Bachelor's degree in related field and four (4) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Grade 5 (Salaried)
The Research Technician I or II will support clinical and translational research within the Division of Surgical Oncology, with a focus on gastrointestinal malignancies. This position is responsible for biospecimen collection, biorepository management, laboratory-based experimental procedures, and coordination of clinical research activities.
The role includes participation in advanced translational research initiatives, including ex vivo tumor analysis using the Elephas Live Platform to assess immune-based therapeutic responses. The technician will work closely with surgeons, research staff, and laboratory personnel to ensure high-quality specimen handling, regulatory compliance, and data integrity.
This position will be filled at the Research Technician I or II level based on candidate qualifications and experience.
Duties: and Responsibilities:
Clinical Research & Biorepository Operations
Collect, process, and preserve human biospecimens (tissue, blood, serum) under IRB-approved protocols.
Screen clinical schedules to identify eligible patients for research studies.
Coordinate patient consent in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and IRB guidelines.
Maintain and expand the Surgical Oncology biorepository, including specimen tracking and quality control.
Coordinate with pathology, surgical teams, and clinical staff for specimen acquisition.
Prepare and ship specimens in compliance with IATA and institutional regulations.
Laboratory & Translational Research
Perform sterile cell culture techniques, including maintenance and passaging of patient-derived organoids.
Conduct molecular and cellular assays, including immunostaining, nucleic acid isolation, and PCR.
Maintain laboratory records, inventory, and quality assurance/quality control procedures.
Support collaborative translational research projects across multidisciplinary teams.
Elephas Platform & Functional Assay Responsibilities
Perform ex vivo tumor processing using the Elephas Live Platform, including tissue preparation, sectioning, and encapsulation.
Conduct functional immunotherapy response assays on fresh tumor specimens.
Coordinate specimen handling workflows to meet strict timing and viability requirements.
Utilize multiplex immune profiling tools (e.g., Luminex assays) as part of study protocols.
Upload and manage assay data within secure data platforms and institutional databases.
Participate in training and implementation of Elephas workflows in collaboration with platform specialists.
Assist in correlating laboratory findings with clinical outcomes, including treatment response and survival endpoints.
Data Management & Administrative Support
Maintain accurate clinical and research databases.
Assist with electronic data capture (EDC) systems and study documentation.
Generate reports, data queries, and summaries for investigators.
Participate in lab meetings, protocol development, and quality improvement efforts.
Additional Responsibilities
Coordinate and schedule research activities across multiple protocols.
Review and process biorepository access and collaboration requests.
Serve as backup support for research coordination and laboratory operations as needed, including occasional off-hours support.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Attention to detail and technical precision.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Adaptability and willingness to learn new techniques and technologies.
Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.
The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy.
In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans.
The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment.
It is the policy of the University that no employee or applicant for employment be subject to unlawful discrimination in terms of recruitment, hiring, promotion, contract, contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions.
No employee or applicant for employment is required to endorse or condemn a specific ideology, political viewpoint, or social viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, or promotion.
Consistent with applicable law, demographic information is collected for aggregate reporting requirements. Demographic information provided through this application is not available to hiring managers/committees and is not considered in hiring or employment decisions.
Assistance and Accommodations
Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 2315 South First Street Walk, Room 02C - Louisville, Kentucky 40292.
If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, please contact us by email at employment@louisville.edu [employment@louisville.edu] or by phone 502-852-6258.
Market context
In Colorado, Research Technician I/II roles are typically driven by ongoing academic, biotech, and translational research needs, especially in labs working with advanced biological models. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a related bachelor’s degree, and Technician II roles may require four years of relevant experience plus preferred skills such as organoid models, human tissue handling, and immuno-oncology research. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit, then tailor your application to highlight hands-on lab methods and any work with complex tissue or model systems.
