Senior Research Assistant - Breast Medical Oncology Research

KEY FUNCTIONS

Animal training and handling

- Candidate will be expected to successfully complete training and certification by the Department of Veterinary Medicine to handle and work with live animals, primarily mice, in a safe and humane manner, following institutional guidelines. - Responsible for maintaining up-to-date animal inventory.

Basic Techniques in Molecular Biology/ Cancer Biology:

- Perform MTT-based cell proliferation assay, soft agar assay, migration, invasion, immunohistochemistry staining, immunofluorescence staining, FACS analysis, western blot.

- Extract DNA, RNA, or protein samples from cells or tissues

- Conduct RT-PCR, siRNA transfection, plasmid transfection, and other molecular biology-related experiments

Prior experience a plus.

Record Keeping and Maintenance of Laboratory:

- Responsible for ordering laboratory supplies, maintaining inventory of antibodies, cell lines, plasmids, and preparing common reagents such as buffers and plasmids.

- Function in an independent manner, and have the ability to design research experiments.

- Candidate will be expected to lead and train

- Maintain accurate records of experimental design and results, perform accurate data analysis of experimental results and communicate these records to PI and other members of the laboratory.

- Prepare final reports in the format requested for the data generated by suggested due date

- Compile research data and submit results to PI for inclusion in publications, grants or protocols.

- Have knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet software, graphic and statistical programs to create charts, posters and reports of the results.

- Present findings of research projects to laboratory members during laboratory meetings. Train visiting scientists and other research staff and students in research procedures and the use of laboratory equipments

- Diligence and willingness to learn and to help others in the implementation of new techniques

- Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• IC - Analytical Thinking:
  • Gather relevant information systematically;
  • Break down problems into simple components; and
  • Make sound decisions.
• 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.

PREREQUISITES

Tissue Culture:

- Proficient in all basic tissue culture techniques to include, but not limited to: passaging, thawing, freezing and cryostoring

- Candidate should be familiar with ATCC guidelines for cell culture and cryogenic storage.

Laboratory Animals:

- Substantial experience in subcutaneous and intravenous injection techniques to develop tumor xenografts, for breast cancer tumor model experience a plus.

- Proficient in oral gavage and IP injections.

Education

Required: 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.

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