Research Assistant - Cancer Institute

The Research Assistant provides intermediate-level support for clinical and translational research projects within the Penn State Cancer Institute, with a primary focus on Genitourinary (GU) Oncology research. This position supports non-treatment interventional and observational studies through study coordination, protocol development, participant consent and enrollment, data management and analysis, regulatory compliance, scientific writing, and research administration. The role works closely with investigators, collaborators, and research staff to advance the GU research portfolio and ensure the successful execution of research initiatives.

• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of GU research studies under the guidance of faculty investigators, including Dr. Joshi.
• Develop study protocols and supporting research documentation.
• Support the conduct of observational and non-treatment interventional studies, including participant recruitment, informed consent, enrollment, and follow-up.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of an NGS data biobank to support GU research initiatives.

• Collect, organize, manage, and analyze research data to support ongoing studies.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reproducibility of research data and study records.
• Prepare figures, tables, reports, and summaries of research findings.
• Maintain electronic and paper research records and databases.
• Support manuscript preparation, scientific reporting, and data presentation.

• Maintain study documentation and ensure compliance with institutional, IRB, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate day-to-day research operations, project timelines, and study logistics.
• Schedule meetings and serve as a liaison among investigators, collaborators, sponsors, and laboratory partners.
• Track study milestones and support timely completion of research objectives.

• Assist with grant proposal development and submission.
• Support preparation of progress reports, abstracts, presentations, and scientific communications.
• Process purchase requests, reimbursements, invoices, payroll documentation, and budget tracking.
• Maintain certifications, protocols, regulatory files, and administrative records.

• Evaluate research workflows, troubleshoot issues, and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and data quality.
• Participate in GU research meetings, presenting project updates and contributing to scientific discussions.
• Collaborate with faculty, research staff, students, and trainees by providing technical support, assisting with onboarding and training, and fostering a collaborative research environment.

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines