Sr. Research Assistant Genomic Medicine

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

The primary purpose of the Senior Research Assistant is to provide supervision, special training to technical personnel and/or highly technical work in medical and related research projects. We are seeking a highly motivated enthusiastic person to help a primary investigator/ clinician in a dynamic lab with numerous opportunities to learn cutting-edge cancer research and carry out various research projects performing routine in vivo and in vitro experiments related to cancer therapeutic development. Working with mice is a must. This position is also responsible for learning, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, keeping accurate records and evaluating data in accordance with methods requested or established in SOPs.

Key Functions

• Designs, coordinates and conducts experiments and research projects in varied areas of molecular biology, genomics or related scientific fields, including DNA/RNA extraction, and basic molecular techniques.
• Performing in vivo experiments in mice which include tumor generation, surgical implantation of patient-derived tumors, drug administration, tumor measurements, tissue harvesting and processing
• Performance of all required laboratory tasks and experiments that include cell biological experiments like maintenance of cell lines, performing cell proliferation, invasion, cell death & apoptosis assays; Biochemical and molecular experiments like DNA/RNA metabolite & protein isolation, cloning, western blot analysis, qRT-PCR, immunoprecipitations, & flow cytometry; Immunochemical analysis of cells and tissues using confocal microscopy and bright-field microscopy.
• Process and annotate clinical samples in accordance with laboratory SOPs
• Operates laboratory automation and equipment.
• Assists with lab ordering and organization.
• Ability to search and review the scientific literature for the purpose of developing SOP's. Ability to troubleshoot different techniques and optimize nucleic acid extraction protocols.
• Proficiently use standard MS office products and willing to learn the FreezerPro systems developed/employed by the laboratory.
• Maintain a clear record of all experimental work performed. Ensures that records are properly maintained and consistently reflect the current status of the lab work. Keeps and updates records of cell lines, analytical and tissue samples collected. Keeps and updates records of cell lines generated in the laboratory, received from other laboratories or cell lines being frozen or thawed in our lab
• Performance of experiments as directed by supervisor, within the time frame specified. Transportation of samples and Performance of experiments in off-site locations when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Ideal candidate must be highly motivated, reliable, responsible, well organized and a careful record keeper with good attention to details. Excellent communication skills are required as well as the ability to work well in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.

Working Conditions

This position requires :

Yes

No

Working in Office Environment

X

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

X

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

X

Exposure to harmful chemicals

X

Exposure to radiation

X

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Reaching

X

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs

X

10lbs to 50 lbs

X

More than 50 lbs

X

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs

X

10lbs to 50 lbs

X

More than 50 lbs

X

Use computer/keyboard

X

Education

Requried: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Experience

Required: Three years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, one year of required experience.

Preferred: Previous experience handling mice is a must

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