Senior Research Assistant - Cancer Biology (Mouse Handling)

Welcome to MD Anderson's Cancer Biology department. Our department has a long history of being a leader in the field of basic and translational cancer biology research. The department emphasizes the training of students, postdoctoral fellows and clinical fellows in the fundamentals of tumor biology to improve the outcomes of patients with malignancies. The department has built a program with close ties to many clinical departments to facilitate information exchange between the laboratory and the clinic. As such, faculty in the department are investigators on NIH funded collaborative cancer biology research grants. In addition, there are several physician-scientists who have joint appointments in Cancer Biology, facilitating the exchange of clinically-relevant information between the laboratory and the clinic.

CANCER BIOLOGY

The primary purpose of the Senior Research Assistant is to independently coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of biology, genetics and other biomedical or related basic science areas. Skills include independently perform animal studies including but not limited to the following technical skills: IP injections, oral gavage drug delivery, sample preparations for sequencing or other analyses, histology, subcutaneous cell injections, tracheal intubations, anatomical measurements, survival surgical procedures, tissue harvesting and processing, as well as genotyping, breeding, and maintain mouse colonies. Proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques and tissue cell culture preferred. Understanding of cell signaling or lung cancer is preferred, albeit animal experience in all areas welcomed. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining animal safety standards and protocols, as well as for training other personnel in animal techniques. The position requires independent decision making, judgment and excellent organizational skills, and most of all, a desire and willingness to continue to learn new skills and techniques for this preferably long-term position.

Additionally, may construct, assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Read literature and confer with superiors regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project. Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Generally aid and support the PI in all their research and laboratory efforts.
• Independently performing animal experiments in consultation with PI (breeding, weening, genotyping, bleeding, tissue harvesting, injections, downstream processing and analysis).
• Performs animal maintenance (safety protocols and standards, record keeping of animal inventory).
• Is able to train new members of the laboratory in animal techniques.
• Standard molecular techniques and perform tissue culture.
• Willingness to proactively learn new techniques and science.
• Ordering reagents and supplies.
• Other duties as required.

Education

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

Preferred: Master's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Experience

Required: Three years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, one year of required experience.

Preferred: Mouse handling.

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