Research Assistant II - Immunology (Wet Lab)

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.

The expected work hours for this position are 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

Tissue Culture

• Maintains and establishes culture of human and murine (when needed) cells, which require rigorous sterile techniques. Must have the ability to observe and identify cell changes under the microscope, determine cell count and cell viability.
• Transports specimens from hospital to the lab using MDACC shuttle system
• Communicates sample scheduling and receipt with coordinators within the institution and at remote sites.
• Prepares sterile media and solutions. Purify cells by various methods and monitor cells for proliferation and activation by standard laboratory methods.
• Monitors, orders and shelves tissue culture supplies to ensure efficient functioning.
• Processes human blood samples for peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum isolation and storage using cryogenic storage.
• Retrieves samples after cryopreservation or works on fresh samples by establishing cells in sterile culture performing cell-cultured-related manipulations (e.g., cytokine addition, activation of cells and harvesting and counting cells).
• Should be able to maintain and operate sophisticated equipment such as flow cytometer, ELISPOT reader, fluorescence microscope and Luminex - 100-type instrument.
• The above requires using the microscope for prolonged periods, working for prolonged periods with hands extended under a flow hood and lifting cases.

Assays

• Extensive knowledge in antibody and T cell assays, including flow cytometry, ELISPOT, T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assays involving isotopic and non-isotopic methods magnetic cell preparation and data processing, and multiplex cytokine analysis.
• Staining of lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry antibodies and sample analysis by Flow Jo software.
• Technical and theoretical experience in Nanaostring technology with considerable experience in RNA/DNA isolation.
• Technical knowledge in assisting flow coordinator with antibody conjugation to heavy metals for Cytof analysis.

Laboratory Functions

• Maintains accurate, detailed records and experimental data and protocols.
• Prepares graphs, slides and tables via photography, computer, or manually.
• Able to work with database, graphing and word processing computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Communicates results to and understand instructions from principal investigator and colleagues.
• Discusses goals of each project with supervisor.
• Confers with supervisor regarding new procedures and modifies them according to the needs of the project.
• Participates in lab meetings and presents data where necessary.
• Demonstrates and practices lab safety precautions.
• Receives verbal and/or written instructions from principal investigator on standards and specialized lab safety procedures.
• 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 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 experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.

Preferred: Wet Lab 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