Research Assistant II - Immunology (Wet Lab)

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

Tissue Culture

• Collects tissue samples from the north campus and processes the tissues (blood and/or tumors) by ficoll gradient (blood) or enzymatic digestion (tumors).
• Prepare cells for immediate analysis or cryogenic storage for later analysis.
• Maintains cell cultures of tumor cell lines for assays.
• Observe and identify cell changes under the microscope, determine cell counts and cell viability.

Lab Functions

• Performs regular assays for immune monitoring of clinical samples (Luminex/MSD multiplex cytokine/chemokine assays, CTL assay using Chromium release, ELISPOT).
• Prepares sterile media and solutions.
• Preparation and inventory of Peptide libraries.
• Staining and flow cytometry phenotyping of lymphocytes.
• Monitors and prepares orders for reagents to ensure efficient functioning.
• Works for prolonged periods with hands extended under a flow hood and lifting cases weighing
• Exercises knowledge of safety concerns when working with human samples.
• Exercises alertness and careful attention to avoid injury to self and others from chemicals and hazardous materials, and disposable glassware used in the laboratory.
• Participates and helps organize meetings and presents data where necessary.
• Knows the procedure for operating basic lab equipment.
• Prepares stock solutions.

Lab Maintenance

• Maintain good working relationship with other laboratory members.
• Explain to staff members the scientific protocols currently employed in the laboratory.
• Help train new staff.
• Utilization and maintenance of the majority of laboratory equipment.
• Be able to work late hours and weekends as needed.
• Maintain an up-to-date organized and legible laboratory journal that records all experiments in detail.
• Keeps ample stock of supplies on hand.
• 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.

Preferred: Wet Lab 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