Research Investigator

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

Molecular Biology

Requires basic knowledge and techniques to conduct various experiments in molecular biology and protein chemistry and the ability to adapt to new technologies related to the research projects.

An essential requirement for the job is tissue / cell culture.

Utilize common molecular biology skills including Western blotting, ELISA, PCR, Q-PCR, DNA / RNA isolation, protein expression and purification, immunofluorescence and live imaging.

Some competencies in cloning of genes and miRNA constructs in vectors for functional experiments is required.

• Must be familiar with shRNA / siRNA knockout experiments. Have experience with luciferase reporter vectors and luciferase assay.
• Must be willing and able to learn and conduct additional methods and techniques when necessary.

Animal Experimentation

• Perform animal work with mouse models including tumor establishment, administration of treatments, tumor measurements, and tumor / tissue harvests and isolation of DNA, RNA and miRNA from tumors / tissue.
• Familiar with mouse models including subcutaneous, orthotopic xenografts, patient derived xenografts and genetically engineered models (GEM) of cancer.
• Maintain these mouse colonies effectively.
• Data Analysis Preparation / Presentation / Publications - Analyze and prepare data for publications and grant proposals, through formatting editing and statistical analysis, generating publication ready figures.

Interpret, present and report research findings to PI, at internal and external meetings.

Lab Development and Oversight

• Must carry out and participate in general laboratory functions including reagent preparation, routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, maintaining inventory and ordering supplies, disposing of laboratory goods according to regulations, assisting the Lab manager in preparation for the Laboratory for safety annual inspection.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team under minimum supervision.
• Must be able to train, supervise and support technicians and students participating in research in the laboratory.
• Must have excellent analytical, communication, organizational and presentation skills.
• Must be able to manage and troubleshoot multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be a resource for all members of the laboratory with regard to the methods of molecular and cell biology.

Other duties as assigned.

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

Experience Required : 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.