Senior Research Assistant

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.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1. Organizes and performs routine procedures involving molecular biology, tissue culture cell maintenance and storage and biochemistry of RNA, DNA and protein processing.

Requires experience in tissue culture, DNA & RNA preparation and cloning, PCR, RT-PCR, protein cell lysate preparation, MTT, western blot, clonogenic assays and biochemistry assays.

Responsible in communicating experimental design and results.

2. Responsible for conducting daily animal work using mice tumor models including :

a. Injects tumor or normal cells into thyroid, tongues, body flanks and tail veins.

b. Ear tag and prepare animals (weight, shave) for tumor cell injection into thyroid, tongues, body flanks and tail veins.

c. Monitors tumor growth using IVIS system as well as measures tumor size by caliper.

d. Harvests tumor and other organs according to animal protocol.

e. Implants patient derived tumors (PDX) into the flank.

f. Administer agents via IP, oral gavage and tail vein to study tumor growth inhibition with and without agent treatment.

g. Performs immunohistochemistry on frozen and paraffin tissue sections.

h. Breeds and maintains transgenic mice colonies, and tail biopsy.

i. In charge of login in-vivo data into frozen and paraffin tissue database.

j. Orders mice from vet med via eSirius software

k. Helps to submit for IHC requests to iLab.

l. Handles correspondence between husbandry and vet staff regarding mice health concerns.

m. Trains new personnel in mice experiments.

3. Performs and coordinates scientific experiments in a collaborative effort with other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and staff members.

Monitors workflow as it pertains to the need for supplies including ordering of all supplies, equipment maintenance and stock solutions.

4. Equipment monitoring daily verifying correct temperatures and maintenance of all freezers including liquid nitrogen tanks.

refrigerators, incubators, etc. Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment. Maintains all safety precautions and maintain lab safety records and assure that safety procedures are implemented by all lab personnel.

Responsible for assigning Lab duties and general lab maintenance. Assumes responsibility for training lab personnel in routine safety practices.

5. Assemble samples, reagents, dry or wet ice, data and packaging materials; draft a cover letter, accurately and legibly fill out shipping labels.

Keep accurate legible logs of outgoing and incoming packages. Ship all Hazardous and Infectious Materials in accordance with USA and Institutional policy.

6. Assists in Lab protocol management; MTAs, IBCs and Acufs

7. Computer skills : PowerPoint, Excel, Word

8. Other duties as assigned by PI and / or department laboratory manager.

EDUCATION

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

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

EXPERIENCE

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

Experience Preferred : Bench work experience including cell culture, western blotting, PCR. Animal work experience including IP injection, subQ injection and oral administration.

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.