The primary purpose of the Senior Research Assistant is to provide technical expertise and experience to plan, coordinate, design, and carry out highly technical work in medical and related research projects. The Genomics Medicine Research Program is recruiting highly intelligent and motivated individuals to participate in cutting-edge genomics research focusing on cancer genetics. This position provides an outstanding opportunity for career development for both short-term research associates as well as recently graduated science majors with aspirations of graduate or medical school training. The laboratory utilizes cutting edge technologies and innovative approaches to dissect the molecular and cellular basis of cancer initiation, progression, and maintenance. There is a strong interest in ultimately translating these basic science discoveries towards drug development and improving patient treatment outcome. Individuals will be trained on multiple molecular biology techniques and will have the privilege of work with the most advanced biomedical equipment. Individuals will work with groups of talented molecular biologist to develop novel approaches to solving problems that will answer key questions central to accomplishing the goals set for a given project.

Key Functions:

Responsible for coordinating and conducting experiments and research projects in varied areas of molecular biology, genomics, or related scientific fields, including DNA/RNA/TCR samples 'QC's and Library prep as well as sequencing, and basic molecular techniques.

Perform target enrichment including, SureSelect, TWIST and other technologies. Adapt to new technologies and find solutions to related academic programs.

Experience in various Illumina sequencing platforms (Experienced in PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies assays and platforms are a plus).

Maintains a high quality of work results with the ability to build efficiency into all lab techniques.

Reads literature and confers with superiors regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project.

Ability to search and review the scientific literature for the purpose of developing SOP's

Proficiently use standard MS office products and willing to learn the LIMS systems developed/employed by the laboratory.

Entering data in concordance with methods requested and confers with superiors regarding results obtained.

Provides supervision, special training to technical personnel and/or highly technical work in medical and related research projects.

Assisting the lab manager with ensuring compliance with federal/MDACC safety requirements.

Operates laboratory automation and equipment.

Assists with lab ordering and organization.

Completing other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

IC - Coach Develop:

Assess strengths and development needs of employees;

Provide challenging development opportunities; and

Provide relevant, timely feedback; mentor others.

IC - Build Relationships:

Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; and

Show sincere interest in others and their concerns.

IC - Provide Direction:

Provide clear direction and priorities toward a common vision;

Clarify roles and responsibilities for employees; and

Promote empowerment.

Working Conditions

This position requires :

Yes

No

Working in Office Environment

X

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

X

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

X

Exposure to harmful chemicals

X

Exposure to radiation

X

Exposure to animals

X

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Reaching

X

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Use computer/keyboard

X

EDUCATION Required: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred: Master'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

Preferred candidate will:

· Have a Master's degree with major course works in genetics or genomics.

· Computer experience working with large data sets.

· Must be highly motivated, reliable, responsible, well organized and a careful record keeper with good attention to details.

· Excellent communication skills are required as well as the ability to work well in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.

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: 167083

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?: Yes

Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

Science Jobs: Yes

#LI-Onsite