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Research Assistant II - Cardiology Research

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jan 19, 2021

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Discipline
Life Sciences, Cancer Research
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to provide technical skills and coordination in carrying out various research projects as assigned in a laboratory studying cardiovascular function and dysfunction at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. Duties will include the development performance of complex laboratory experiments in cell culture, molecular biology, and histological experiments. This position will generate, collect and record data in accordance with methods requested and confers with superiors regarding research obtained that will be used to produce grant applications and publications. Will construct, assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Will participate in training new lab members, contribute to maintaining animal colonies, and in performing animal experimentation. Reads literature and confers with superiors regarding new procedures and modifies them according to the needs of the project. Will assist in general lab management including, restocking of supplies and chemicals for the laboratory, and maintaining experimental records in laboratory books and computer files.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs the molecular biology experiments and genetic tests on DNA, RNA and protein extracted from normal and tumor tissue (human and animal). Maintains and expand the tumor tissue/ DNA, RNA and protein bank relevant to the scope of research. Performs experimental tests and analyze data. Must be able to learn new techniques as required by the scope of the research. Knowledge in the following procedures is required:

• DNA, RNA and protein extraction

• Genotyping and animal colony maintenance.

• Gel electrophoresis (Agarose and polycrylamide)

• PCR • Cloning • SDS-PAGE and Western

• Cell culture

• In situ Hybridization

• Immunohistochemical localization of proteins

• Site-specific mutagenesis

• Computer analysis of DNA sequences

2. Generates data by handling laboratory animals (mice and rats) and performing experiments in general cell culture and generation of primary cell lines from mouse or rat tissues. Isolate, characterize, and culture primary endothelial cells and bone marrow macrophages from mouse. After analysis, this data will be used to generate grant applications and publications.

3. Maintains laboratory notebooks and records in accordance with GLPs; Prepare and characterize standards. Write and maintain protocols in accordance with GLPs.

• Record data from laboratory procedures, as directed by supervisor.

• Record (by manually writing in a notebook or entering into a computer database via computer keyboard and software program) and evaluates data as required and/or requested by supervisor.

• Collect and accurately calculates experimental data (samples are interpreted by means of reading a computer-generated printout or by manually counting) under the guidance of supervisor, who records final project outcomes.

• Prepare graphs and charts from experimental data by using computer keyboard.

4. Assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment on a daily basis verifying correct temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, incubators, etc

• Conducts equipment maintenance on a weekly basis includes cleaning and disinfecting refrigerators and incubators. Ensures daily counter clean up and disaffection to ensure safety of the laboratory work space.

• Bags waste and transports to appropriate refuse area utilizing safety standards and guidelines. Maintains all safety precautions. • Instructs lab personnel on proper use and care of all lab equipment.

5. Assists with general lab duties, including ordering and organization of supplies, reagent preparation, (the process of manually making culture medium or other experimental materials by following a recipe) as directed by supervisor or Research Investigator and properly dispose of all hazardous waste. Monitors inventory of chemicals, equipment and general supplies.

6. May be responsible for shipment of related lab materials. Shipment activities would involve:

• Must be able to assemble samples, reagents, dry or wet ice, data and packaging materials.

• Draft a cover letter, accurately and legibly fill out shipping labels

• Carry package to receiving area on ground floor prior to carrier pickup.

• Keep accurate and legible logs of outgoing and incoming packages.

• For incoming packages: ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify principal investigator.

• Update pertinent inventory logs.

Provide technical expertise to others.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Laboratory environment.

This position requires: Working in Office Environment ____X_ No ______ Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic) ____X_ No ______ Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues ______ No ___X__ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals ______ No ___X___ Yes

Exposure to radiation ______ No ___X___ Yes

Exposure to animals ______ No ___X___ Yes

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent Never 0% Occasionally 1-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuously 67-100%

Standing - Continuously 67-100%

Walking - Frequently 34-66%

Sitting - Occasionally 1-33%

Reaching - Occasionally 1-33%

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs - Occasionally 1-33%

10lbs to 50 lbs - Occasionally 1-33%

More than 50 lbs - never 0%

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs - Occasionally 1-33%

10Ibls - 50 - Occasionally 1-33%

More than 50 lbs - never 0%

Use computer/keyboard - Frequently 34-66%

Working conditions are acceptable but may involve exposure to occasional hazardous equipment and materials. Alertness and careful attention are required to avoid injury to self or others. May require extended periods of standing at a counter. Tasks may involve frequent walking or standing for up to six hours a day. Must be able to work at instrument (standing) for 3-4 hours without a break. Work may involve frequently unscheduled tasks, which must be of very high quality, could be highly repetitive, and may involve unscheduled overtime. May require occasional bending/stooping, reaching, physically handling, walking, or visually inspecting and lifting up to 20 pounds. Also involves problem solving, reasoning, independent decision-making, analyzing, planning and communicating orally and in writing. Use the computer via the keyboard to prepare reports and other documents. Work with infectious agents, toxic chemicals and radioisotopes. Works with personal computers using standard software, i.e., word processing, Excel, database and graphics programs.

ACCURACY: Precision in preparing materials and recording data is mandatory. Must clearly, accurately, and effectively communicate in English, both face-to-face and over the telephone is required. Must be able to communicate results to and understand instructions from the supervisor. A willingness to cooperate with other staff, students, fellows and visitors is essential.

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

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Two years of experience in scientific or experimental research work.
Preferred: Laboratory experience with additional experience in animal colony management and experimentation.

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

Company

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 2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

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