Research Assistant II - Immunoprofiling Laboratory

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 Translational Molecular Pathology -Immunoprofiling lab (TMP-IL) translates immunoprofiling data into research that is clinically applicable and can aid in the treatment and outcome of future cancer patients. The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to assist in the inventory, tracking and preparation of specimens for research experiments. The scope of the position is to aid in carrying out laboratory research projects involving assessment of the immune system using flow cytometry, single cell sequencing, cellular assays and identification of circulating biomarkers. Technical experience working with cell lines is desirable. The RAII must be able to routinely perform labwork, coordination activities to carry out various research projects, and technical laboratory duties in accordance with general and/or specific plans. Excellent attention to detail and detailed record keeping is required.

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: Models safe behavior (wears badge and personal protective equipment, washes hands, and keeps work area clean and orderly); Notices a safety concern or emergency, understands role and uses proper procedures to report it; Mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices; Demonstrates ethical and personal responsibility in work and behavior

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.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Protocol Management

Manages research study needs as defined in protocols and clinical trials. Responsibilities include collecting and evaluating patient/specimen samples submitted to the laboratory from clinical and research entities across the institution and external collaborators.

Sample tracking, inventory and management.

Tracks the receipt and delivery of samples between the research laboratory and collaborators. Coordinates transfer of samples and material to the laboratory and maintains data according to mandatory standards and protocol compliance. Processes, organizes, and schedules samples for distribution to other internal laboratories, including immunohistochemistry and blood based circulating biomarker assays and molecular, as well as external testing facilities. Maintains TMP-IL sample inventory and locations.

Sample accessioning and barcoding.

Accessions samples received at TMP-IL into the tracking system and monitors sample location and distribution

Laboratory Duties and Maintenance

Maintains Laboratory instruments and aids in basic lab organization to ensure the lab is in good operating order. Maintains laboratory sample inventories of ongoing projects. Follows laboratory policies and institutional, laboratory and safety standard guidelines. Other duties as assigned.

Basic flow cytometry staining.

Performing tissue disaggregation and generation of single cell suspensions for flow cytometry staining as well as performing the cell staining. Assist in the development of new flow cytometry panels and assays such as spectral flow cytometry.

Perform cellular and circulating biomarker assays.

To understand and perform or aid in performing basic cellular assays including ELISPOT, tumor killing assays, as well as assessment of biomarkers in bodily fluids or cell supernatants. This includes aiding scientists and flow cytometry specialists in these functions.

Assist with single cell sequencing processes

To assist and support sample processing and banking for single cell sequencing assays. This includes working with scientists and specialists in these functions.

Bachelor's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences. One year experience in scientific or experimental research work. 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