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.

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to provide assistance in coordinating informatics and statistics associated research projects; leads research projects under direct PI supervision. The Research Assistant will provide technical assistance in carrying out various research projects. The goal of the position is to provide translational support for ongoing clinical trials assessing immune responses in hematological and head and neck cancer patients. In addition, assistance to post doctoral fellows and/or graduate students may be involved. Specific laboratory skills should include processing blood and tissue specimens and in vitro cell culture. Additional laboratory skills may involve molecular biology assays including Western blotting, RNA/DNA isolation and or preparation, cDNA synthesis, qRT-PCR assay as well as cell biology assays including ELISA assays, cell proliferation/cell death assays, fluorescence cytometry and clonogenics.

KEY FUNCTIONS
• Performs laboratory procedures leading to diagnosis or assimilation of data with minimal supervision.
• Prepares and maintains laboratory areas, ensuring cleanliness and proper aseptic techniques.
• Prepares records, and labels specimens for filing.
• Serves as curator of the files including the retrieval system.
• Performs technical duties related to photography of specimens and distribution of materials for interpretation.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of the protocols and experimental data. Compile, write, and submit work reports to the supervisor.
• Processing of blood and other fluid/tissue specimens.
• Perform laboratory maintenance such as maintaining/cleaning equipment, organizing repair procedures, maintain lab stocks, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
• Help orient and train new staff or students
• May serve as an assistant to the investigator during dissections or animal surgery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education
Required: Bachelor's degree, major course work in one of the basic sciences.

Experience
Required: No experience.

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