Research Assistant II

1.

Independently, performs and assists in both in vitro and in vivo animal experiments investigating tumor cell (e.g. kidney and other) and adoptively transferred immune cell interactions in orthotopic and model microenvironments (e.g. engineered bone); monitors tumor progression using preclinical imaging techniques. Perform molecular profiling of cancer and immune cells using FACS; has immunology and biology background and experience in molecular biology techniques for cells and tissue samples including cell typing and expression profiling, and microscopy.

Knowledge in the following procedures are required:

• Animal handling, surgery, tumor implantation and treatment and tissue/organ isolation and preservation
• Preclinical imaging (e.g. microCT, MRI)
• Flow cytometry (FACS)
• Advanced tissue clearing and staining techniques for hard and soft tissues (e.g. skin and bone)
• Immunofluorescence multiphoton and epifluorescence microscopy
• Intermediate image analysis (Fiji/ImageJ or other) skills
• Cell/tissue culture of primary cells (e.g. stem cells) and cancer cell lines.
• Recombinant DNA technology (cloning, DNA, RNA purification) and molecular biology (lentivirus production, lentiviral transductions)
• Generation of genetically modified cell lines and cryostorage
• Histological procedures (Fixation, Slicing, Staining, Sample storage)
• Optional: Protein biochemistry (immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation, protein purification)

2.

Communicate information:

· Must be able to communicate results to and understand instructions from project leader, supervisor and principal investigator.

· Clear and accurate communication in English both face-to-face and over the telephone/skype is required.

· Provide oral progress reports in an organized, consistent manner using scientific slides.

· A willingness to cooperate with other staff, students, fellows and visitors is essential.

· A willingness to train and instruct staff, students, fellows and visitors.

3.

Acquire and develop new techniques:

· Must possess flexibility and have the ability to learn and establish novel techniques and protocols for new research lines.

· Independently reads and understands scientific literature for application to ongoing research.

4.

Laboratory duties:

• Must possess flexibility and have the ability to learn and establish novel techniques and protocols for new research lines.
• Manage, record, update inventories (digital and written databases)
• Order material for the laboratory in a timely fashion
• Must work with other lab members to ensure the consistent flow of work, necessary materials and reagents
• Perform laboratory tasks assigned by supervisor/lab manager
• Collaborate and conduct experiments/work on other lab projects when necessary
• For incoming packages: ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify relevant lab personnel/principal investigator.

5.

Computer literacy:

• Must be able to learn and use software related to data acquisition, image analysis and presentation

6.

Other duties as assigned.

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.

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