Research Assistant II - Mouse Handling

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2018 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The Research Assistant II provides technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects.

The ideal candidate must have previous mouse handling experience.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1. Tissue Culture:

Maintain tissue culture cell lines using good sterile technique. Determine cell counts and viability using microscope and hemocytometer. Establish short-term and long-term cell cultures from human or mouse tissues. Prepare sterile media and solutions. Test cell lines for mycoplasma contamination. Prepare cells for cryogenic storage and subsequent re-establishment of viable cell lines. May require cultivation of viruses; must be willing to work with human samples and infectious organisms. Pack and mail cell lines to collaborators using dry ice.

2. Laboratory Animals:

Successfully complete training and certification by the Department of Veterinary Medicine to handle live animals, primarily mice, in а safe and humane manner, following institutional guidelines. Keep track record of animal breeding schedules, set up new breeding pairs, wean offspring on a timely basis. Collect tissue samples, perform genotyping and enter into records. Perform injections via intravenous, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous routes. Perform animal surgery, which requires use of anesthetics. Collect blood samples. Perform euthanasia and dissect organ and tumor tissues for analysis. Perform whole body imaging and other in vivo measurements. Use appropriate safe protocols to handle potential biohazards.

3. Basic Techniques in immunology and oncology:

Perform basic to intermediate techniques including in vivo tumor growth and in vitro measurements of immune function (mitogen and antigen-induced blastogenesis, ELISA, Western botting, SDS-PAGE gels). Other skills required include DNA/RNA isolation, plasmid preparation, gene cloning and operating PCR equipment. Experience with immunofluorescence microscopy is welcome. Handle acids, bases, acrylamide solutions, flammable materials and other biohazards according to OSHA and institutional safety policies. Work independently and in team with lab members.

4. Record Keeping and Maintenance of Lab:

Maintain detailed written reports of experimental protocols and results. Prepare and communicate experimental results and/or potential problems to supervisor using Powerpoint, Word and other software upon training. Implement troubleshooting procedures according to instructions. Maintain lab work area and lab equipment, monitoring it daily to ensure the lab operates safely, is clean and all equipment is in good working order. Learn correct operation of all lab equipment, and follow written instructions/operations manuals. Place order requests and shelve delivered orders. Perform other duties as assigned. Work alone or in team with the Principal Investigator and other lab members. Interact with lab members and others in helpful and constructive manner across cultural backgrounds using English spoken and written language.

Work hours: Must be willing to work flexible daytime hours. Some protocols require occasional work on weekends/holidays. Time away must be coordinated with other staff.

EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences.

EXPERIENCE
Required: Two years experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred: Must have previous mouse handling 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