Research Specialist II_Cancer Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PKPD) Core

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt employs some of the best and brightest minds from around the world. Join a dedicated team of nearly 11,000 who are shaping the future we envision. Moffitt has been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation and is continually named one of the Tampa Bay Times’ Top Workplaces.

Summary

Research Specialist II_Cancer Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PKPD) Core

Position Highlights

The Cancer Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PKPD) Core at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute provides comprehensive pharmacodynamic services that support translational research, drug development, and early-phase clinical investigations. The Core performs cell-based drug response studies, immunoassays, biomarker analyses, sample processing, and cellular enrichment services utilizing advanced analytical and automation platforms.

The Research Specialist II (RSII) will independently perform and optimize pharmacodynamic assays using preclinical and clinical specimens. This position is responsible for executing complex laboratory procedures, troubleshooting assay performance, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and supporting Core customers throughout study execution.

The Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrated experience performing cell-based drug response assays in 96-, 384-, and/or high-throughput screening formats.
• Strong knowledge of mammalian cell culture techniques, including routine maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and assay preparation.
• Experience performing viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis assays using platforms such as CellTiter-Blue®, CellTiter-Glo®, MultiTox-Fluor®, Caspase-Glo®, or similar technologies.
• Experience performing immunological and biochemical assays, including ELISA, multiplex immunoassays, and Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platforms.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction, purification, quantification, and reverse transcription workflows.
• Knowledge of PBMC and BMMC processing, Ficoll density separation, magnetic bead-based cell enrichment, and sterile specimen handling.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory automation platforms such as Precision XS, Mosquito liquid handlers, plate washers, automated pipetting systems, and multimode plate readers.
• Ability to analyze experimental results, identify technical issues, implement corrective actions, and maintain detailed documentation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced core facility environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Independently perform pharmacodynamic assays including cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and drug response studies using high-throughput plate-based formats.
• Conduct immunological and biochemical analyses utilizing ELISA, MSD, and other protein quantification platforms.
• Process human blood, bone marrow, and tissue specimens for PBMC and BMMC isolation using Ficoll separation and magnetic bead enrichment techniques.
• Perform DNA and RNA purification, nucleic acid quantification, reverse transcription reactions, and related molecular biology procedures.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary cell cultures under sterile conditions.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory automation systems, liquid handlers, plate washers, and analytical instrumentation.
• Assist with assay development, optimization, validation, and implementation of new Core services.
• Evaluate assay data, perform quality control reviews, and prepare summaries for investigators and Core leadership.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, SOPs, quality documentation, and inventory records in accordance with institutional and Core requirements.
• Ensure adherence to biosafety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements for laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with Core staff, investigators, and study teams to coordinate project timelines and deliverables.
• Train and mentor junior laboratory personnel, students, and new staff members on established procedures and best laboratory practices.
• Perform laboratory maintenance activities including equipment qualification, reagent preparation, inventory management, and workspace organization.
  
  

Credentials And Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline is required with a minimum of three years of relevant laboratory experience, preferably within translational research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, or a shared resource/core facility environment.
• BA/BS in related scientific field with three (3) years' experience in science related field and at least one (1) year in core specific applications OR BA/BS in related scientific field with two (2) years' experience in science related field with two (2) years in core specific applications OR MA/MS in related scientific field with one (1) year experience in core specific applications.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-throughput screening and 384-well assay platforms.
• Experience with MSD, multiplex biomarker assays, and advanced immunoassay technologies.
• Experience with laboratory automation and robotic liquid handling systems.
• Experience handling clinical specimens, including blood and bone marrow samples.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Experience supporting fee-for-service research programs or shared resources.
  
  

Required Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining high-quality results and meeting deadlines.
  
  

Moffitt Team Members are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Parental Leave and more. Tampa is a thriving metropolitan city, which has become a hub for ground-breaking research, welcoming individuals from around the globe. This diverse city is engulfed with rich culture, year-round activities, amazing cuisine and so much more. We strive for work/life balance.

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,

then we have a place for you.

Salary Range

$26.70 - $43.83

Salary ranges posted for this position represent the expected base pay range for the role. Actual compensation may vary based on location and a variety of job-related factors, including experience, skills, education, and internal equity among Team Members in similar positions.

We are committed to maintaining fair and equitable pay practices and regularly review compensation to ensure alignment across our workforce.

Moffitt Career Site

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,

then we have a place for you!

• Equal Employment Opportunity
  
  

Moffitt Cancer Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran or disabled status. We seek candidates whose skills, and personal and professional experience, have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

• Reasonable Accommodation
  
  

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