Senior Research Assistant (Mouse handling)

Function: To be a critical member of the research lab and to assist the Principle Investigator and/or immediate supervisor in carrying out technical aspects of research projects.

Scope: Responsible for the planning and successful execution of experiments in the area of cancer biology in accordance with general and/or specific plans received from the immediate supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Animal work:

• Manage mouse colony under minimal supervision.

• Perform survival surgeries for implantation of patient derived tumor fragments (PDX) and cell lines.

• Hands-on experience of drug dosing techniques (such as oral gavage, IP and SQ) are required.

• Measure tumor response via caliper and non-invasive imaging methods.

• Analyze the outcome of efficacy studies.

• Perform non-survival animal surgeries for collection of specimens for molecular characterization and ex vivo treatment. Previous experience with necropsy and mouse tissue (blood, bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes) collection are required.

• Extract immune cells from human tumor and mouse tissue (bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes).

Record keeping:

• Maintain accurate, detailed records of mice colony (including growing PDX models). Ensure that data is entered in a timely manner.

• Ensure that the correct animal identification (ear tags) is placed on animals. Reporting any discrepancies to the supervisor is strongly advised.

• Ensure that all collected tissue samples are properly labeled and deposited to the storage. Ensure that data is entered in a timely manner.

Computer skills:

• Analyze and plot experimental data under minimal supervision. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Adobe Photoshop is required.

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required:

• Must be able to communicate results as well as any potential problems with experiments, in a clear and understandable manner to the supervisor and in lab meetings.

• Must be able to read articles and references and develop step-by-step written procedures to conduct experiments as well as communicate this information to the supervisor and other lab members.

• The ability to provide concise and accurate write ups of methods and results is desired.

Assistance with Lab personnel training:

• The capacity to assist with training of graduate students, fellows and post-doctoral trainees is desired.

Safety:

• Must maintain a clean and orderly work place.

• Must have the ability and willingness to observe and comply with all institutional rules and OSHA regulations regarding biohazard and radiation safety.

SUPERVISION:

• Received: Work will be performed under the supervision of the PI and senior members of the professional research staff.

• Given: This individual may be involved in the training of less experienced members of the lab.

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 or veterinary (animal sciences).

EXPERIENCE:

Required: 3 year of experience in mice experimental work and mice colony maintenance.

Preferred: 5 year of experience in mice experimental work and mice colony maintenance.

WORK CONDITIONS:

Research laboratory environment, which may involve occasional exposure to hazardous equipment and materials.

This position requires:

Working in Office Environment

__X____ No

__ __Yes

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

_ X __ No

______ Yes

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

_ __ No

___X__ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

_ __ No

_X____ Yes

Exposure to radiation

_ X __ No

______ Yes

Exposure to animals

_ __ No

___X___ Yes

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

Walking

Sitting

Reaching

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs

10lbs to 50 lbs

More than 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs

10lbs to 50 lbs

More than 50 lbs

Use computer/keyboard

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