Research Assistant I - Melanoma Med Oncology - Research

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I is to provide technical assistance and support for a translational research lab that focuses on developing novel strategies to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy to treat Melanoma patients. This person will plan and carry out various research projects as assigned and provide assistance to professional laboratory staff.

Key Functions

1. Small Animal Work:
   1. Maintain transgenic mouse colonies (breeding, weaning, genotyping).
   2. Utilize current murine tumor models including genetically engineered mouse models to evaluate the effectiveness of target therapy and/or immunotherapy

1. Tissue culture:
   1. Maintain and establishes culture of murine and human (when needed) cells.
   2. Prepare sterile media and solutions. Purify cells by various methods and monitor cells for proliferation and activation by standard laboratory methods.
   3. Monitor tissue culture supplies to ensure efficient functioning.

1. Molecular biology and Cellular immunology:
   1. Stain tumor cells and lymphocytes subsets using flow cytometry antibodies.
   2. Isolate DNA, RNA and protein from cell lines and tissue samples.

1. Record keeping and data collection:
   1. Maintain accurate, detailed records and experimental data and protocols.
   2. Need to closely work with other technicians, students, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scientists and principal investigators in scientific protocols currently used. Good communication skills, patience and good working knowledge of equipment and research aims are a necessity.
   3. Participate in lab meetings and present data where necessary.

1. Laboratory safety/lab equipment maintenance:
   1. Demonstrate and practice lab safety precautions.
   2. Receives verbal and/or written instructions from principal investigator on standards and specialized lab safety procedures.
   3. Attend annual safety courses required by MDA and other agencies.
   4. Handle chemically hazardous materials, and bio-hazardous materials in procedure specified to meet MDA safety guidelines.
   5. Follow manufacturer's guidelines regarding the handling and maintenance of all lab equipment.
   6. Responsible for ordering reagents and materials when needed.

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

EXPERIENCE:
Required: No experience.

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