Research Assistant I - GI Medical Oncology

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.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to provide technical assistance for carrying out the core research projects of the lab in the GI department. Lab is seeking a motivated individual who has passion in science and is excited to be the forefront of the cutting-edge translational cancer research. The lab is committed to the mentorship and growth of the new hires to ensure they can achieve their long-term career goals.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

1. Laboratory Operations (Enter 75% Effort)

* Carries out experiments in various areas of molecular biology and genetics in the lab, such as extracting DNA and RNA and running gels and making buffers,

* Maintains tissue cultures, including 3D organoid culture and immune cells,

* Manages the mice colonies including breeding, cage management, weaning mice, and genotyping,

* Prepare biological specimens from animal models and patient clinical samples and perform histological experiments including dissecting mice, fixing and embedding tissues and immunostaining.

2. Record keeping (Enter 25 % Effort)

* Maintain accurate, detailed records of experimental data and protocols in accordance with methods requested. This involves the use of computers to analyze, organize and plot data and for entry of data into databases.

3. Communication

* Must be able to understand and carry out instructions both verbal and written. Must be able to communicate results as well as any potential problems with experiments, in a clear and understandable manner to the supervisor and in lab meetings.

* Must be able to read articles and references and develop step-by-step written procedures to conduct experiments as well as communicate this information to the supervisor and other lab members.

4. Safety

* Must maintain a clean and orderly workplace.

* Must have the ability and willingness to observe and comply with all institutional rules and OSHA regulations regarding biohazard and radiation safety.

* Must have a working knowledge in the proper handling of hazardous chemicals such as phenol, ethidium bromide, acrylamide, and formamide.

* Must have a basic understanding of and willingness to work with radioisotopes.

5. General requirements

* Working knowledge of various laboratory equipment and apparatus, basic techniques for handling chemicals and accurately prepare media, solutions, and reagents.

* An understanding of the basic scientific terminology and concepts central to cancer research

* An ability to perform searches and retrieval of information both through the library and online.

* A willingness to learn new techniques, to cooperate with other staff, students, fellows, visitors, and collaborators, and to assist in other laboratory activities as needed.

Other duties as assigned

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

Experience Required - No experience.

Experience Preferred - Some experience in scientific or experimental research work and mice handling

Onsite Presence - REQUIRED

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

Additional Information

* Requisition ID: 167976

* Employment Status: Full-Time

* Employee Status: Regular

* Work Week: Days

* Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 38,500

* Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 48,000

* Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 57,500

* FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay

* Fund Type: Soft

* Work Location: Onsite

* Pivotal Position: Yes

* Referral Bonus Available?: No

* Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

* Science Jobs: Yes

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