Research Assistant Professor

disease pathogenesis and apply these discoveries and technologies to create and implement strategies for disease prevention, early diagnosis, and individualized therapy. A primary area of emphasis of our research is in cancer, but new technologies developed in the Center are being applied to a number of important human diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, as well as liver, ocular, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

The Research Assistant Professor will primarily support and conduct research as part of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with the Principal Investigator to advance discoveries in disease biology and translate them into clinical applications. The role involves performing a wide range of molecular and cellular laboratory techniques; contributing to data analysis, including collaboration with data scientists on large proteomic datasets; and supporting laboratory operations. The position also includes facilitating research coordination with project collaborators.

A secondary purpose of the role includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses - emphasizing creativity and innovation -providing hands on student training and mentorship, and supporting technology transfer activities, including invention disclosure education and commercialization efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts independent and collaborative research focused on mechanisms of cancer pathophysiology and progression, with emphasis on cell-cell communication mediated by vesicle trafficking in living tissues;
• Develops and submits grant proposals, contracts, patent applications, and commercial partnership requests to secure funding and support research programs;
• Mentors and supervises trainees, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, in cancer research methodologies, scientific reasoning, and laboratory practices;
• Applies bioengineering principles to the study of cancer biology, integrating engineering-based tools and approaches into experimental design and analysis;
• Collaborates with scientists and clinicians within the unit and across external institutions to advance multidisciplinary cancer research initiatives;
• Publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts, reviews, and related scholarly works in high-impact scientific journals;
• Presents research findings at national and international scientific conferences, symposiums, and professional meetings;
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory standards, including IHS, IACUC, IRB, CAP, and NIH guidelines, while overseeing human and animal research activities;
• Directs cancer tissue profiling efforts within clinical research trials using proteomics, histopathology, laser-capture microdissection (LCM), interstitial fluid collection, and molecular biology techniques;
• Contributes to the advancement of the research unit through active participation in strategic planning, laboratory management, and technological innovation;
• Serves as the instructional and technical liaison between CAPMM and the university's Office of Technology Transfer;
• Provides training to students and faculty on invention disclosure preparation, provisional patent filing, claim development, and USPTO examiner interactions;
• Collaborates with Technology Transfer staff to guide students through drafting provisional patents, filing formal applications, conducting examiner reviews, and submitting supporting documentation;
• Integrates intellectual property education into STEM curriculum, emphasizing practical pathways from research to commercialization;
• Leads project planning efforts for new and existing instructional programs, identifying opportunities to improve curriculum quality, accessibility, and program reach;
• Develops innovative project-based learning modules that incorporate emerging technologies, creative problem solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration;
• Ensures continuous improvement of online instructional tools, digital resources, and virtual teaching strategies;
• Emphasizes the practical and economic value of STEM degrees by teaching pathways for translational research, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization;
• Engages students in discussions about the broader societal and industry impacts of innovation, intellectual property, and applied research; and
• Supports the growth of a culture of creativity, innovation, and scientific curiosity across all assigned educational programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (PhD) in related field;
• 3-year post PhD research experience in related field at time of appointment;
• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience in the area of cancer research;
• Experience with word processing and spreadsheet software;
• Willingness to work at BSL-2;
• Basic knowledge of cancer biology and molecular/cellular laboratory techniques;
• Understanding of laboratory safety, biosafety practices, and research ethics;
• Familiarity with regulatory principles (IRB, IACUC, NIH) and responsible conduct of research;
• Ability to perform standard laboratory procedures and follow established protocols;
• Strong organizational and logistical coordination skills;
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for research;
• Competence with basic data entry, record-keeping, and common software applications;
• Ability to learn new scientific concepts, laboratory techniques, and instructional technologies quickly;
• Ability to communicate scientific information clearly to diverse audiences;
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary academic units and external constituents; and
• Demonstrated interest in cancer research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record of authoring high-impact research publications as first or corresponding author;
• Clinical research experience;
• Demonstrated track record of successfully achieved issued patents and participating in licensing negotiations;
• Extensive experience in cancer research: cancer immunotherapy, solid tumors, tumor microenvironment, cell-cell communication, physiological principles of mitochondrial function and disease, extracellular vesicles biology, and lymphatic/lymph node biology;
• Animal model experience;
• Documented experience in successful attainment of research grant funding as a PI;
• Experience with academic technology transfer and STEM instruction; and
• Knowledge of proteomics and cell-cell communication as applied to cancer.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Research Assistant Professor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/ Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and CV for review.

Posting Open Date: April 15, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: April 29, 2026

Open Until Filled:Yes