Job Description
SUMMARY The primary purpose of the Sr. Research Assistant position is to perform a variety of complex analytical procedures and apply highly technical expertise and relevant experience to plan, coordinate, design, and carry out research experiments designed to supply specific information as part of a larger project, and answer to questions in a limited field, or in the development of improved techniques and/or procedures in the Department of Cancer Systems Imaging.
MISSION STATEMENT 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.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES Research Design, Planning, Coordination and Evaluation * Plan and execute details of an experiment, including set up, timing, coordination of supplies and equipment, and availability of trained personnel.
* Apply scientific background to the application of laboratory techniques, using judgment, analysis, and evaluation.
* Assemble, operate, and troubleshoot equipment.
*Perform experimental tasks to supply information as part of a research project or laboratory.
* Monitors daily operations of assigned research programs/projects, including reporting requirements, budgets, and timetable milestones specified in the project.
*Provide detailed and complete recordkeeping and ensure accurate data collection on all experimental protocols performed.
* Record and evaluate data obtained, in accordance with methods requested. Interpret experimental results by applying appropriate quantitative, statistical and/or qualitative methods for analysis and interpretations of data.
* Communicate/present results to the Principal Investigator and others as requested including, but not limited to Team Meetings, conferences, symposia, retreats, career days, etc. Assist with compilation of data for presentation or publication.
*Prepare presentation slides, figures, graphs, and tables using software such as Excel, GraphPad, and Image J. Create and/or maintain laboratory-specific databases.
*Read recommended literature and maintain detailed and well-organized records of protocols.
*Recommend new procedures for conducting assigned research by conferring with researchers, scholars, and other stakeholders as relevant to the project. Implement new procedures as requested.
*Assists with writing and/or editing SOPs for the Manning Laboratory Operations Manual.
*Assist with writing/proof reading applications for internal/external funding.
*Supervise select staff/students working on grant-related projects.
Laboratory Organization *Implement safety procedures according to established laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
* Comply with all institutional safety policies including Universal Precautions and OSHA standards when handling toxic, hazardous, flammable, radioactive or potentially infectious or carcinogenic materials. Maintain up-to-date knowledge required for new protocols and technology, improved experimental design, and optimized implementation of experimental assays in cancer research.
*Develop and revise protocols, procedures, and techniques as requested.
* Evaluate supply levels and recommend purchasing as needed.
* Communicate to supervisor the need for back-up coverage of tasks and serve as coverage for others as necessary;
* Participate in general maintenance of laboratory including monitoring radioisotopes, maintaining cell lines, aliquot reagents, and preparation of common solutions.
Technical Assistance * Maintain and store cell lines under sterile and healthy conditions.
* Follow America Type Culture Collection (ATCC) guidelines for cell culture and cryogenic storage.
*Demonstrate the ability to identify cell changes under the microscope. Determine cell counts and cell viability.
*Utilize aseptic techniques and biosafety measures in experimental work.
* Execute analytical benchtop work which may include DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, PCR, western blot, protein analysis, cell viability assays, radioisotope cell uptake, and cell binding assays.
* Work with live animals in a safe and humane manner following institutional guidelines. * Perform subcutaneous cell injection, PDX tissue implantation, tissue harvest, intraperitoneal (IP) injection, intravenous (IV) tail vein injection, oral gavage, aseptic surgery, bioluminescence/fluorescence imaging.
*Maintain colonies of genetically engineered mice including breeding, weaning, and genotyping. Monitor the health and welfare of animals.
* Maintain animal experimental records, store and analyze animal tissue, perform tissue grossing, embedding, microtomy, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.
* Extract metabolites from tissue and cell culture.
* Generate experimental samples for analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance or mass spectrometry.
* Isolate, purify, and analyze RNA, DNA and protein including hybridization, gel electrophoresis, staining, performing PCR reactions, quantitative RT-PCR assays, DNA sequencing, and assays for signal transduction.
*Take pictures of cells or tissue on the light or fluorescence microscope.
* Performs flow cytometry and immunoblotting (Western) as required.
Other Duties as Assigned Required education: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.
Required experience: Three years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, one year 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.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 168168
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 50,000
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 62,500
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 75,000
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Soft
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
- Science Jobs: No
#LI-Onsite
Job Tags
Full time, Traineeship, Local area, Relocation package,