Senior Research Assistant - Immunology

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to

eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding

programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through

education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals,

employees and the public.

Tissue Culture
1. Processes human blood samples in order to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells by ficoll gradient.
2. Processes human tissue samples in order to isolate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes by ficoll enzymatic digestion.
3. Prepares cells for immediate analysis or cryogenic storage for later analysis.
4. Stains peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for flow cytometry and/or Cytof.
5. Maintains cell cultures of tumor cell lines for assays. Observes and identifies cell changes under the microscope, determines cell counts and cell viability.

Lab Functions:
1. Performs regular assays for immune monitoring of clinical samples and develops new ones.
2. Prepares sterile media and solutions.
3. Prepares staining master mix for CyTof or Flow cytometry.
4. Monitors and prepares orders for reagents to ensure efficient functioning.
5. Explains to staff members the scientific protocols currently employed in the laboratory.
6. Helps train new staff.

Lab Maintenance:
1. Maintains accurate, detailed records and experimental data and protocols.
2. Able to work with database, graphing and word processing computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
3. Helps manager with writing articles, protocols and other scientific documents
4. Participates in lab meetings and presents data where necessary.
5. Attends annual safety courses required by MDA and other agencies.
6. Works closely with other staff members
7. Maintains good working relationship with other laboratory members.
8. Able to work late hours and weekends as needed.
9. Other duties as assigned.

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: Experience with processing human tissue samples.

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