Research Assistant II

SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of molecular and cell biology as well as in vivo studies to investigate the role of tRNA deregulation in normal blood development and leukemic transformation. The lab focus is to study tRNA expression and epitranscriptomic regulation of gene expression in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. We had recently identified altered tRNA biogenesis as an indicator of tumor specific amino acid demand for protein synthesis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04244-1). The candidate will also be responsible for ordering chemicals and reagents for the lab, lab organization and day to day functioning of the laboratory.

CORE VALUES
Caring: By our words and actions we demonstrate caring toward everyone.

Integrity: We work together with professionalism to merit the trust of our colleagues and those we serve in all that we do.

Discovery: We embrace creativity and seek new knowledge from diverse perspectives.

Safety: We provide a safe environment - physically and psychologically - for our patients, for our colleagues and for our community.

Stewardship: We protect and preserve our institutional reputation and the precious resources - people, time, financial and environmental - entrusted to us.

KEY FUNCTIONS
Research Operations
** Experience in basic molecular biology and cell culture techniques (PCR, cloning, DNA/RNA purification, western blotting, FACS analysis, virus production, cell line propagation, and cell line engineering) is highly desirable. **Prior experience working with mice is an advantage.

Computer Skills
** Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, GraphPad Prism, and PowerPoint.

Laboratory Maintenance
** Maintains cleanliness of lab and stocks of consumables at each workstation. **Ability to work with little direct oversight. Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. ** Other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences. Preferred Education: None. Experience: One year experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree. Preferred Experience: None. 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