Research Investigator - Cancer Biology

MD Anderson's Cancer Biology 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 "Specialized Programs of Research Excellence" (SPOREs) .

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.

SUMMARY

Our laboratory studies molecular mechanisms of genome instability using molecular and exciting novel mouse models for analysis and prediction of disease development and testing of targeted therapy strategies.

An example of our mouse models can be seen here . The primary purpose of the Research Investigator is to independently perform animal studies including but not limited to blood draw, drug and / or cell injections, anatomical measurements, tissue harvesting and processing downstream, and breed and maintain mouse colonies.

Proficiency with standard molecular techniques and tissue cell culture preferred. Understanding of hematological or metabolic disorders and cancer 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.

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
• 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

Five years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, three years of required 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.