The Paul Nghiem Lab is a moderately sized, diverse lab with basic, translational, and clinical research projects. We study Merkel cell carcinoma; an uncommon, frequently lethal skin cancer associated with immune suppression, UV exposure, and the Merkel cell polyomavirus (see www.merkelcell.org). Working in this lab environment provides extensive opportunities to interact with scientists, physicians, and clinical research team members. These interactions and opportunities to lead projects in later years can be very helpful for professional development of the undergraduate research assistants in the lab. Our lab is located in SLU at the UW Medical Center, which is a 20 minute shuttle ride away from main campus.
They are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic undergraduate to assist with general lab duties and translational/clinical studies involving maintenance of patient databases and support of clinical trials. Many of their projects involve contact with patients and other healthcare providers. Your duties would involve collecting data from patient charts, ordering tissue samples, stocking the tissue culture room, updating the website, and maintaining an accurate and up-to-date database. Students that are organized, communicative, collaborative and have a strong desire to learn about the biology and clinical management of cancer are encouraged to apply.
They are looking for applicants who are juniors, sophomores or freshmen, majoring or intending to major in a biological science and have successfully completed some relevant coursework. They will prioritize students who plan to go into healthcare or biomedical research. Prior research or clinical experience is advantageous but not required. A minimum of ten hours a week is the anticipated commitment. Students must make a two-year part-time commitment during the school year and full time during the initial summer. However, scheduling is flexible around your school schedule.
The Undergraduate Research Assistant position offers hourly compensation equal to the Washington State minimum.
Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript to Lauren Zawacki, zawackil@uw.edu with email title “RA Position Nghiem lab, {your initials}.”
