Research Technician

Research Technician

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Technician position is to provide technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects. Coordinates and conducts experiments and carries out research projects. Constructs, assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment. Impacts laboratory research activities. To process, organize, store and analyze biologic samples from various clinical protocols for either biobanking and innovative bioassays. The desired candidate will have experience processing biologic samples such as blood, saliva, urine samples, and running assays such as ELISAs or flow cytometry. The candidate will have the organizational skills to data annotate, store and retrieve samples based on the needs of the lab.

CORE VALUES

Caring Behaviors

• Courtesy: Is respectful and courteous to each other at all times
• Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork and inclusiveness; Is sensitive to the concerns of our patients and our co-workers

Integrity Behaviors

• Reliability: Communicates frequently, honestly and openly
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for practicing our values
• Safety: Notices a safety concern and brings it to someone's attention; Models safe behaviors (wears badge, washes hands, keeps work area clean and orderly)

Discovery Behaviors

• Responsiveness: By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Encourages learning, creativity and new ideas
• Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so

KEY FUNCTIONS/JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Utilize established protocols to process blood samples to separate plasma/serum from white blood cells for permanent storage and biobanking
• Perform established assays to analyze functions of immune cells for predict patient outcomes
• Process patient blood samples for circulating tumor cell analysis using a filtration system
• Retrieve clinical data from medical records and help organize the sample database
• Maintain laboratory environment including ordering of supplies for members of the lab and organization of supplies and equipment
• Maintain clear and accurate records of laboratory data, both written and electronic, accessible at all times by the supervisor
• Communicate effectively with supervisor informally and at laboratory meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• IC - Listen to Others:
o Listen to feedback and input carefully
o Demonstrate attention to others
o Acknowledge and listen to differing perspective
• IC - Oral Communication:
o Express ideas clearly and concisely
o Create environment with open communication
• IC - Written Communication:
o Convey information clearly and concisely through documentation
o Adapt writing style to fit the audience
• IC - Technical/Functional Expertise:
o Demonstrate technical proficiency
o Possess up-to-date knowledge
o Provide technical expertise
• TC - Equipment Usage & Safety Preparedness:
o Maintains expectation for safety preparedness
o Orientation of new equipment

EDUCATION

Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred: Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE
Required: Two years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Laboratory environment.

High school diploma or equivalent. Two years of research experience. With preferred degree, no experience required. 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