Research Assistant II - Immunology (Tissue Culture)

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.

IMMUNOLOGY

KEY FUNCTIONS

Tissue Culture

• Maintains and establishes culture of human and murine (when needed) cells, which require rigorous sterile techniques.
• Must have the ability to observe and identify cell changes under the microscope, determine cell count and cell viability.
• Transports specimens from hospital to the lab using MDACC shuttle system.
• Communicates sample scheduling and receipt with coordinators within the institution and at remote sites.
• Prepares sterile media and solutions.
• Purify cells by varoius methods and monitor cells for proliferation and activation by standard laboratory methods.
• Monitors, orders and shelves tissue culture supplies to ensure efficient functioning.
• Processes human blood samples for peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum isolation and storage using cryogenic storage.
• Retrieves samples after cryopreservation or works on fresh samples by establishing cells in sterile culture performing cell-cultured-related manipulations (e.g., cytokine addition, activation of cells and harvesting and counting cells).
• The above requires using the microscope for prolonged periods, working for prolonged periods with hands extended under a flow hood and lifting cases.
• Requires a working knowledge or the ability to be readily trained in antibody and T cell assays, including flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, proliferation and cytotoxicity assays involving isotopic and non-isotopic methods magnetic cell preparation and data processing, and multiplex cytokine analysis.
• Staining of lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry antibodies and sample analysis by multi-color flow cytometry.
• The immunological procedures and analysis require accurate vision and standing for long periods of time and keen hand dexterity.
• Should be able to maintain and operate sophisticated equipment such as flow cytometer, ELISPOT reader, fluorescence microscope, ELISA reader, and Luminex - 100-type instrument.
• Technical and theoretical experience in PCR and RNA/DNA isolation also preferred.

Laboratory Functions

• Maintains accurate, detailed records and experimental data and protocols.
• Prepares graphs, slides and tables via photography, computer, or manually.
• Able to work with database, graphing and word processing computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Communicates results to and understands instructions from principal investigator and colleagues.
• Discusses goals of each project with supervisor.
• Confers with supervisor regarding new procedures and modifies them according to the needs of the project.
• Participates in lab meetings and presents data where necessary.
• Demonstrates and practices lab safety precautions.
• Receives verbal and/or written instructions from principal investigator on standards and specialized lab safety procedures.
• Attends annual safety courses required by MDA and other agencies. Handles, stores, and disposes of radioactive isotopes, chemically hazardous materials, and biohazardous materials in procedure specified to meet MDA safety guidelines.
• Follows manufacturer's guidelines regarding the handling and maintenance of all lab equipment.
• Will have working knowledge of equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals whenever necessary.
• Responsible for ordering reagents and materials when needed.
• Successfully completes 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 for disposal of dead animals, biohazards and used needles.
• Setting up breedings, transferring cages between rooms, ear tagging and tail snipping, and updating lab, breeding and genotyping records.
• Performs Basic to intermediate techniques in immunological research, including in vivo and in vitro measurements of immune function (ELISA, Western blotting, Luminex).
• Requires a willingness to learn techniques for handling chemicals.
• Requires the ability to calculate molarity and accurately prepare media solutions and reagents.
• Performs flow cytometry analysis of mouse and human samples with up to 30 parameters.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Maintains good working relationship with other technicians.
• Explains to staff members the scientific protocols currently being employed in the laboratory.
• Collects and organizes information for project reports.
• Standing for long periods of time moving around from one area of the lab to another to work with different equipment, walking to different floors of the hospital to collect samples and to get patients' records.
• Steady hand posture is also necessary.
• Visually checking for cells in the microscope and ability to use cameras and other photographic and laboratory equipment is also required.
• Requires keeping handwritten records.
• May involve occasional exposure to hazardous equipment and materials.
• Must possess the ability to be clearly understood by verbal communication in face-to-face encounters and by telephone, read printed and written data, assimilate pertinent information in order to communicate in written correspondence.
• Must be able to communicate well verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to understand verbal and written directions.
• Must be able to respond and assist other employees and visitor, as required.

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: One year experience in scientific or experimental research work.

Preferred: No experience required with preferred degree.

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