Research Assistant II (Histology,Mouse Models)

The mission of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology is to enable and apply basic research excellence to significantly contribute to ending cancer. The department's oncology-driven research focuses on fundamental mechanistic discoveries and their translation to humans. As a basic science department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, MCO strives to enhance basic research excellence by establishing a strong research group focused on the molecular and cellular aspects of cancer research, particularly in signaling pathways and crosstalk between tumor and tumor microenvironment in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis, and resistance to various therapies. The Department's research interests include, but are not limited to: cancer cell signaling, metabolism, RNA biology, genetics and epigenetics, DNA damage and repairs, and structural biology. MCO hosts MD Anderson's Functional Genomics Core with the support of the Cancer Center Supporting Grant.

The ideal candidate will have experience in liver disease, histology/immunostaining and mouse models.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Conducts research experiments and projects.

• Conducts research experiments and projects in liver studies independently with minimal oversight or work collaboratively using mouse models, single-cell isolation, and immunostaining.
• Helps address any issue(s) which may cause delays in progress; Prepares and updates protocols; Maintains databases/inventory and relevant data.
• Utilizes equipment needed for experiments; Performs administrative tasks such as tracking study progress, including but not limited to, summary for Progress Reports; meeting agendas and minutes/action items.
  
  Animal work and Cell Culture
• Assist in animal work under supervision - which may include maintaining animal colonies, breeding, genotyping, and record-keeping for all animal strains; animal dosing (oral gavage, IP or IV), tissue preparation and sample processing.
• Maintains and establishes tissue culture cell lines, single-cell isolation; cell biology (transient and stable cell lines, also using viral transduction).

Immunostaining

• Assay design and development, validation, and execution: optimizing antibody and condition for experiments, independently or in collaboration for immunostaining, use of related instruments, and the ability to troubleshoot procedures and results and work with PI or collaborator to correct scientific issues/problems. Able to follow established procedures.

Coordinate collaborative efforts of the laboratory

• Discuss project stages and present findings in lab meetings.
• Prepare final reports, assist with scientific manuscripts to promote ongoing research projects, submit to PI for publications, grants or protocols. Show willingness to learn and help others implement new techniques.
• Perform administrative tasks for overseeing equipment maintenance and repair.
• Train staff and students/trainees in lab procedures and the use of equipment.

Provide research support

• Performs experiments in molecular biology which include but not limited to isolating DNA/RNA, performing PCR/QPCR and ELISA.
• Reads literature and confers with PI regarding new procedures and modifies according to needs of project.
• Keeps accurate records of experimental design and results, and accurate data analysis.

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: Experience with liver disease, histology/immunostaining and mouse models.

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