Research Technician - Immunology

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.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Laboratory Maintenance

• Performs basic molecular biology techniques.
• Maintains clean and neat work area in laboratory to ensure efficient functioning and pleasant/safe work environment.
• Disposes of biohazardous waste.
• Assists in the preparation of media for the laboratory.
• Follows written instructions/operations manuals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Tissue Culture

• Maintains and establishes tissue culture cell lines, which requires good sterile technique and ability to determine cell counts and cell viability using microscope and hemocytometer.
• Prepares sterile media and solutions.
• Prepares cells for cryogenic storage and subsequent re-establishment of viable cell lines.
• Packs and mails cell lines to collaborators using dry ice.

Laboratory Animals

• Successfully completes training and certification by the Department of Veterinary Medicine to handle and work with live animals, primarily mice, in a safe and humane manner, following institutional guidelines for disposal of dead animals, biohazards and used needles.
• Key duties include setting up breedings, transferring cages between rooms, ear tagging and tail snipping; updating lab, and breeding.

Education

Required:High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred: Bachelor's degree.

Experience

Required: Two years of research experience. With preferred degree, no experience required.

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