Senior Research Assistant - Immunology

The Immunology department at MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks to determine the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of a wide range of processes by which the body recognizes and eliminates pathogens and use these findings to unleash the patient's own immune system against previously treatment-resistant cancers. Treating the immune system rather than the cancer itself, the therapeutics developed are applicable to many cancers.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Tissue Culture

• Process human blood samples in order isolate peripheral blood
  mononuclear cells.
• Process human tissue samples in order to isolate tumor-infiltrating
  lymphocytes.
• Stain peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor-infiltrating
  lymphocytes for flow cytometry and/or Cytof.

Laboratory Functions

• Conjugates metals to antibodies for CyTof.
• Prepares staining master mix for CyTof or Flow cytometry.
• Operates CyTof machine.
• Other duties as assigned.

Lab Maintenance

• Maintains accurate, detailed records and experimental data and
  protocols.
• Able to work with database, graphing and word processing computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Participates in lab meetings and presents data where necessary.
• Attends annual safety courses required by MDA and other agencies. Handles, stores, and disposes of radioactive isotopes, chemically
  hazardous materials, and biohazardous materials in procedure
  specified to meet MDA safety guidelines.
• Follows manufacturer's guidelines regarding the handling and
  maintenance of all lab equipment. Will have working knowledge of
  equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals whenever
  necessary.
• Responsible for ordering reagents and materials when needed.

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.

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