Research Assistant II - Translational Molecular Pathology

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 research projects in the laboratory of the Research Biospecimen Qualification understanding the functions of biospecimen processing and collection of samples for analysis. Technical experience working with cell lines is desirable. The RAII must be able to provide technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects, coordinates procedures, and performs technical laboratory duties in accordance with general and/or specific plans.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Research Experiments:

• Independently identifies the best patient specimens for molecular analyses. Involved in identifying tissue specimen blocks for studies, cutting and staining of tissues, and extraction of DNA, RNA, protein and other molecular analytes.
• Performs quality assessment of the extracted samples and interprets the data.
• Determines specific goals or objectives to be attained, evaluates resulting research data and revises techniques or approaches to work problems.
• Ensures quality sample derivatives is commendable and has gained the trust of the department pathologists.

Data Gathering and Analysis

• Enter and maintain data from research activities in files/computer databases as appropriate.
• Demonstrates competence in key aspects of data collection and data entry incorporating institutional guidelines.
• Demonstrates knowledge of research process and good clinical practice.
• Accurately maintains a filing system for data obtained from all patient research samples.

Laboratory Operation and Maintenance

• Maintains Lab Functions to include ordering of supplies and ensures lab equipment is maintained in good operating order.
• Establishes a system for tracking, processing, and monitoring the research program operations and protocols that are utilizing the services of the RbQL.
• Develop and reviews techniques to enhance laboratory operations and assists lab personnel in implementation of new technology.

Clinical Data and Laboratory Compliance

• Participates and contributes to the institutional and external compliance efforts necessary for biospecimen protocols, and laboratory processes.
• Actively engage in data collection and clinical review.

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.

Customer FocusBuilds and maintains customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the organization through skills demonstrated in communication, personalization of interaction, regulation of emotions, and proactive problem solving.

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