Senior Research Assistant - Genitourinary Medical Oncology

　　Summary

　　The primary function of the Senior Research Assistant position is to conduct research in a laboratory with a large oncology and immunology focus. Collaborate and assist in the development of new assays and improve existing laboratory methods. Successful candidate must be able to maintain excellent descriptions of experiments performed, the data obtained and be able to interpret results. Computer skills such as entering data obtained from experiments into graphic and statistics programs is essential, as well as the generation of figures. The employee should provide technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects. The employee will be responsible for coordinating procedures with collaborators; performing technical laboratory duties in accordance with general and/or specific plans. Read and edit manuscripts and reports.

　　Scope: To coordinate and conduct experiments and carry outresearch projects in the areas of tumor immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, and tissue culture. Will keep abreast with literature of interest to laboratory and help edit manuscripts. Will confer with supervisors in Genitourinary Medical Oncology Research Laboratory regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the projects. Record and evaluate data obtained in accordance with methods requested.

　　The ideal candidate will have prior expertise and knowledge in research clinical protocols, the processing of human and mouse blood and tissue samples, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, flow cytometry, and tissue culture.

　　Key Functions

　　Planning and Execution of Experiments. The employee will conduct and carry out research experiments and is required to discuss goals of projects with supervisors. Receives detailed verbal and/or written instructions on how to conduct an experiment in order to achieve the goals of the project. Verbally asks questions of supervisor and/or other laboratory personnel to clarify and obtain further information needed to prepare for and properly execute experiments. Clear and concise verbal communication is important. The employee must possess good reading (English) and writing skills; some editing experience in scientific writing is desirable. Receives verbal and/or written instructions on the operation and maintenance of all laboratory equipment. Position will require periodic communications with vendors and other laboratory personnel to obtain technical information by talking on the telephone. Develops a step-by-step written procedure outlining the specific actions required to conduct the experiment before proceeding. The successful candidate will exercise initiative and inventiveness in planning, executing and interpreting data obtained from experiments. Must be able to communicate results to principal investigators (PIs) and collaborators. Must have a well-developed esprit de corps and willingness to cooperate with all principals. Must have the ability to resolve, in consultation with PIs, various technical problems as they emerge that are related to experimental design and technique. The position will require detailed, legible handwritten records of all experiments performed.

　　Animal techniques: Candidate should be well-trained on animal biology and strong animal modeling background (GEMMs) is highly preferred. Must be responsible for animal care, organization of the colonies, xenograft and orthotopic tumor models, manipulation of the mice including tail vein/retro-orbital/intraperitoneal/subcutaneous injections, gavage treatments, tail vein bleeds, euthanasia and necropsy. Candidate must be skilled on animal breeding, weaning, genotyping, tissue harvesting, as well as downstream processing and analysis.

　　Specific tasks : Must be able to generate and analyze data for presentations and publications. Sound working knowledge and trouble shooting skills in some of the following techniques: ELISA assays, western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, gene knockdown/knockout, transfection/transduction of mammalian /bacterial cells, proliferation/apoptosis study, gene expression library construction, RT-PCR, immunostaining of tissue sections, gel electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids, mammalian cell culture, T-cell isolation and culture, cryopreservation of cells, preparation of DNA, RNA, and protein from cells, blood, tissues, and FFPE slides for next-generation sequencing , microarray, methylation array, and protein array analyses. Data analyses from DNA/RNA/protein arrays and next-generation sequencing; Animal experiments including testing the efficacy and mechanisms of action of specific anti-cancer agents both in vivo and ex vivo according to IRB-approved animal protocols;

　　Ordering supplies and maintenance of equipment . Periodically reviews and place orders for laboratory supplies including community reagents and chemicals. Assist in assembly, operation, and maintenance of laboratory.

　　Tissue culture and handling of hazardous biological materials: Maintains and establishes tissue culture cell lines which requires good sterile techniques and the ability to observe and identify cell changes under the microscope, determine cell counts on the hemocytometer or coulter counter, perform colony counts and determine cell viability. Prepares sterile medias and solutions. Prepares cells for cryogenic storage and re-establishment by the use of small vials, dry ice and liquid nitrogen. The employee must be good at sterile technique, the manipulation of viable cells and the re-feeding and characterization of cultures. Precaution against blood-borne pathogens must be taken whenever human-derived cells are used in accordance with the institutional Universal Precautions Plan. Must demonstrate and practice laboratory safety precautions. Must manually handle, store and dispose of radioactive isotopes, chemically hazardous materials, and biohazardous materials in procedures specified to meet MDACC safety guidelines. Accurately records use and disposal of all radioactive materials. The position requires the maintenance and analysis of various viable (human and mouse) cell lines. Tests may periodically be performed for mycoplasma contamination. Requires use of single and multichannel pipettors. Fine finger dexterity will be required to manipulate small tissue culture vials.

　　Guide, teach, supervise, and assist students, collaborators, and laboratory members to accomplish research.

　　Other duties as assigned.

　　The above functions require a strong command of the English language, including spelling, writing, and the ability to clearly and accurately communicate verbally in English both face-to-face and over the phone.

　　Education Required - Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

　　Experience Required - Three years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, one year of required experience

　　It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

　　Additional Information

　　Requisition ID: 164656

　　Employment Status: Full-Time

　　Employee Status: Regular

　　Work Week: Days

　　Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 50,000

　　Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 62,500

　　Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 75,000

　　FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

　　Fund Type: Soft

　　Work Location: Onsite

　　Pivotal Position: Yes

　　Referral Bonus Available?: No

　　Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

　　Science Jobs: Yes

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