Research Assistant II Cardiology Research

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to provide technical skills and coordination in carrying out various research projects as assigned in a laboratory studying cardiovascular function and dysfunction at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. Duties will include the development performance of complex laboratory experiments in cell culture, molecular biology, and histological experiments. This position will generate, collect and record data in accordance with methods requested and confers with superiors regarding research obtained that will be used to produce grant applications and publications. Will construct, assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Will participate in training new lab members, contribute to maintaining animal colonies, and in performing animal experimentation. Incumbent will read literature and confer with superiors regarding new procedures and modifies them according to the needs of the project. May assist in general lab management including, restocking of supplies and chemicals for the laboratory, and maintaining experimental records in laboratory books and computer files. Impacts laboratory research activities.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

1. Develops and performs complex molecular and biologic laboratory experiments and genetic tests on DNA, RNA and protein extracted from normal and tumor tissue (human and animal). Performs experiments in general cell culture and generation of primary cell lines from mouse or rat tissues. Maintains and expand the tumor tissue/ DNA, RNA and protein bank relevant to the scope of research. Performs experimental tests and analyze data. Must be able to learn new techniques as required by the scope of the research. Knowledge in the following procedures is required:
   • DNA, RNA and protein extraction
   • Genotyping and animal colony maintenance.
   • Gel electrophoresis (Agarose and polycrylamide)
   • PCR
   • Cloning
   • SDS-PAGE and Western
   • Cell culture
   • In situ Hybridization
   • Immunohistochemical localization of proteins
   • Site-specific mutagenesis
   • Computer analysis of DNA sequences

1. Generates data by handling laboratory animals (mice and rats) and colony maintenance including genotyping, weaning, recording, and pairing. Will participate in harvesting issues for histological analysis, inject various drugs and AAV virus, changing the special diets and perform will animal surgical assistance. Isolate, characterize, and culture primary endothelial cells and bone marrow macrophages from mouse. After analysis, this data will be used to generate grant applications and publications.

1. Maintains laboratory notebooks and records in accordance with GLPs; Prepare and characterize standards. Write and maintain protocols in accordance with GLPs.
   • Record data from laboratory procedures, as directed by supervisor.
   • Record (by manually writing in a notebook or entering into a computer database via computer keyboard and software program) and evaluates data as required and/or requested by supervisor.
   • Collect and accurately calculates experimental data (samples are interpreted by means of reading a computer-generated printout or by manually counting) under the guidance of supervisor, who records final project outcomes.
   • Prepare graphs and charts from experimental data by using computer keyboard.

1. Assists with general lab duties, including ordering and organization of supplies, reagent preparation, (the process of manually making culture medium or other experimental materials by following a recipe) as directed by supervisor or Research Investigator and properly dispose of all hazardous waste. Monitors inventory of chemicals, equipment and general supplies. May train, educate and oversee compliance of new lab workers in proper research techniques and health/safety and animal regulations. As needed, instruct laboratory personnel in appropriate use of equipment and in learning new techniques.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

1. May be responsible for shipment of related lab materials. Shipment activities would involve:

• Must be able to assemble samples, reagents, dry or wet ice, data and packaging materials.
• Draft a cover letter, accurately and legibly fill out shipping labels
• Carry package to receiving area on ground floor prior to carrier pickup.
• Keep accurate and legible logs of outgoing and incoming packages.
• For incoming packages: ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify principal investigator.
• Update pertinent inventory logs.

Core COMPETENCIES:

• IC - Analytical Thinking:
  • Gather relevant information systematically;
  • Break down problems into simple components; and
  • Make sound decisions.
• IC-Oral Communication:
  • Express ideas clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one conversations;
  • Create an environment with open channels of communication.
• IC-Written Communication:
  • Convey information clearly and concisely through both formal and informal documents;
  • Adapt writing style to fit the audience.
• IC - Build Relationships:
  • Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; and
  • Show sincere interest in others and their concerns.
• IC - Innovative Thinking:
  • Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; and
  • Offer new ideas, solutions and/or options.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• IC-Technical/Functional Expertise:
  • Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job;
  • Possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession;
  • Provide technical expertise to others.

• TC-Equipment Usage & Safety Preparedness -
  • Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; and
  • Offer new ideas, solutions and/or options
  • Employee maintains expectations for safety preparedness, including but not limited to: Orientation to new equipment, Employee Education Event, CPR training, fire drills

EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences.

Peferred: 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: Laboratory experience with additional experience in animal colony management and experimentation. Also usage of Cell culture and sterile technique, Spectrophotometry, Immunostaining, Electrophoresis, PCR, Recombinant DNA manipulation and cloning, Basic microscopy and digital imaging.

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