Research Assistant II - Translational Molecular Pathology (IHC)

MISSION STATEMENT
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.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to carry out laboratory bench work in research projects at TMP -IL Imaging Lab using novel High-plex staining and imaging methodologies, manually and with automated systems. Understanding the basic principles of chromogenic immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and western blot (WB) techniques is desired. The RAII must be able to provide technical and coordination skills to carry out various research projects, coordinate and support procedures, and perform technical laboratory duties in accordance with general and/or specific plans.

CORE VALUES

Caring Behaviors

• Courtesy: Is respectful and courteous to each other at all times.
• Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork and inclusiveness; is sensitive to the concerns of our patients and our co-workers.

Integrity Behaviors

• Reliability: Communicates frequently, honestly and openly.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for practicing our values.
• Safety: Models safe behavior (wears badge and personal protective equipment, washes hands, and keeps work area clean and orderly); Notices a safety concern or emergency, understands role and uses proper procedures to report it; Mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices; Demonstrates ethical and personal responsibility in work and behavior.

Discovery Behaviors

• Responsiveness: By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Encourages learning, creativity and new ideas.
• Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Operate and Support Multiplexed Imaging Technologies using Ion beams, oligo barcoding, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry staining. Such as - Tyramide signal amplification methodology (Opal workflow, Akoya Biosciences), and other techniques as chromogenic IHC for immune profiling tumor tissues. Perform validation, optimization, troubleshooting staining of antibodies and panels using these novel techniques (MIBI and CODEX systems). Utilize laboratory equipment to carry out those procedures. Learn and perform Multiplex immunofluorescence technique.

Data gathering and Analysis Record and organization of data in accordance with methods requested. Operate scanner systems involved in the different methodologies related to the imaging techniques for digital pathology analysis and troubleshoot small technical problems when detected.

Develop novel imaging staining procedures for immune profiling and biomarkers discovery. Develop immunohistochemistry based techniques utilizing Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) surgical specimens and Core Needle Biopsies from different tumor types for immune profiling and biomarkers discovery. Perform research, update, and upgrade for those high plex imaging and staining methodologies for complex research projects involving immune profiling. Works under supervision of faculty and laboratory members to optimize workflows panels for those techniques.

Laboratory Maintenance Maintains Lab Functions to include tracking the inventory of samples, reagents and ensures lab equipment is maintained in good operating order.

COMPETENCIES

Analytical Thinking - Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.

Develop Oneself - Pursue learning and self-development; actively seek feedback; transfer learning into next steps; set high standards of performance; drive for results and achievement.

Innovative Thinking - Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; offer new ideas, solutions and/or options.

Equipment Usage and Safety Preparedness - Employee maintains expectations for safety preparedness, including but not limited to: Orientation to new equipment, Employee Education Event, CPR training, fire drills.

Professionalism - Employee demonstrates commitment to collaborative professional relationships with physicians and all members of the heath care team.

Team with Others - Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members; balance individual and team goals.

Technical/Functional Expertise - Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.

Service Orientation
Provide service to our customers, including patients, patient caregivers, referring physicians and each other, in a reliable, responsive, safe, friendly and courteous manner.

• Promotes inclusiveness and collegiality by demonstrating respect and professionalism to others at all times

• Models safe, ethical behavior, mitigating risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Anderson's Standards of Conduct, institutional policies and procedures

• Meets time and attendance expectations and responds to requests in a timely manner, communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to patients and coworkers

• Admits when wrong, apologize and take steps to resolve a situation to help to patients and coworkers before being asked.

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