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Research Assistant II - Mosaic Project

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jun 12, 2021

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Discipline
Life Sciences, Cancer Research
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

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 including the GeoMX Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP). The RAII will focus on the cancer immunoprofiling studies under the MOSAIC program. MOSAIC is dedicated to collecting, integrating, managing and enriching the combined data and samples from at least 10,000 cancer patients at MD Anderson. Patient Mosaic will lead to the development of better insights for improving health outcomes for individual patients and, more broadly, all patients with cance. The RAII must be able to provide technical and coordination skills to carry out the 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 single and multiplexed tissue based assays using Ion beams, oligo barcoding, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry staining.
Operate the GeoMx Nanostring Digital Spatial Profiler and other multiplex techniques such as Tyramide signal amplification methodology (Opal workflow, Akoya Biosciences), RNAScope and chromogenic IHC for immune profiling of tumor tissues. Perform validation, optimization, troubleshooting of IHC staining and multiplex panels. Utilize laboratory equipment to carry out those procedures.

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.

Other duties as assigned

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

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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