Research Assistant II Melanoma Medical Oncology

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to provide technical assistance and support for a translational research lab that focuses on generating antigen specific T-cells for Melanoma patients. This person will plan and carry out various research projects as assigned and provide assistance to professional laboratory staff. He/she will be responsible for conducting animal maintenance, inventory, breeding, anesthesia, euthanizing, genotyping (PCR and electrophoresis), and treatment administration (intravenous injection, intra peritoneal injection, gavage, et al). This person will also help in imaging animals, harvesting tissue sample, and other in vitro experiments when necessary.

1. Perform experiments that will include basic molecular and biochemical bench-work, cell culturing of mammalian primary cells, cancer cell-lines and tumor lines, and various assays including but not limited to radioactive killing assays.
2. Purchasing and stocking laboratory supplies, preparation of media and reagents, optimization of lab protocols, and maintenance of laboratory equipment. This requires the monitoring of workflow and planning as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance and stock solutions.
3. Perform duties in accordance with instructed methods under the direction of the principal investigator or designee. This position conducts close work with other technicians, students, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scientists and staff members in scientific protocols currently used. Good communication skills, patience and good working knowledge of equipment and research aims are a necessity.

1. Adhere to institutional and regulatory guidelines when handling, recording, and collecting data and samples on patients enrolled in our clinical studies.

1. Good reading and comprehension skills are a necessity in understanding scientific articles and journals related to experiments being conducted. Attendance and participation at work related seminars and/or meetings are required.

1. Conduct animal maintenance, inventory, breeding, anesthesia, euthanizing, genotyping (PCR and electrophoresis), and treatment administration (intravenous injection, intra peritoneal injection, gavage, et al). Help with animal imaging and harvesting tissue sample.

1. Plan experiments based on experimental results and able to troubleshoot problems that arise using critical thinking skills and previous knowledge learned in the RAI position.

1. Develop leadership skills to maintain, plan and execute projects based on project aim and thesis.

1. Train new lab members to perform all duties listed to reach project aim.

1. Perform all duties listed and other duties as assigned.

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.

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