Research Assistant II - Translational Molecular Pathology - Mouse/Mice Model

**The ideal candidate will have mouse/mice model experience**

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to provide technical and coordination skills to carry out moderately complex research experiments by applying established protocols including nucleic acid isolations, running PCR, undertaking cell isolations and maintaining tissue cultures and processing of blood derived bio specimens. Performance of routine lab and equipment cleaning and maintenance; setting-up and operating various scientific and electronic apparatus including novel technologies; assisting with research projects including some independent research; and, by performing clerical and editorial duties including the compilation, processing and analysis of data.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Research Laboratory Functions

Performs a broad range of cell and molecular assays involving molecular biology and biochemistry of DNA, RNA and protein, including cloning, subcloning, IHC, immunofluorescence, western blots, digital PCR, real time PCR, etc.

Develops new procedures improving upon existing techniques relevant to the research.
Procures biospecimens from the operating room as provided by the surgeons. Works with pathology department to acquire tissue samples per protocols. Will pick up pick up blood samples for processing.
Processes and stores human biospecimen samples, including separation of blood components, isolation of cells from human fluids, etc.
Maintains cancer cell lines using sterile technique. May extract protein lysates, DNA and RNA from cells.
Maintains CTC-PDX and CTC-spheroids cultured cells using sterile technique.

Animals Maintenance (murine models)

Maintenance of transgenic mouse colony, genotyping by PCR using tail snips, monitoring breeding activities, and keeping record into the database.
Coordinate procedures involving animal maintenance and handling with the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

General Laboratory Maintenance

Assumes shared responsibility for general laboratory maintenance by:
a) Maintaining procedures and protocols that ensure the quality and integrity of procedures performed,
b) Monitoring work flow as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance and preparation of stock solutions,
c) Keeping ample stock of supplies on hand,
d) Following up on orders to ensure organization and accessibility of all reagents.

Intermittent Lab Duties

Sets-up and operates various scientific apparatus.
Sets-up and operates spectrophotometer, fraction collectors, chromatography and novel isolation equipment, centrifuges, incubators, homogenizers, and various microscopes.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date biospecimen inventory in hard copy and in our digital databases, with special emphasis in taking accurate, sample descriptions, time(s) and dates of all specimens received, processed and stored by/from all liquid biopsy members.
A working knowledge of TissueStation is preferred.
Reads scientific literature to keep current with new research techniques and learns or develops new techniques by communicating with other researchers and biotechnology companies.
Collaborates with co-investigators to facilitate short-term and long-term goals of the lab.

Other duties as assigned

Bachelor's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences. Two years experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree. 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