Job Description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Reports 2018 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The primary purpose of a Research Assistant II is to provide technical and coordination skills and performing radiation therapy related biology research projects. Plays a major role in carrying out pre-clinical experiments to provide pre-clinical evidences to support future clinical trial of optimizing radiation therapy in combination with systematic therapy.

Essential Job Functions
The goals of our researches are to provide novel strategies to decrease the treatment related toxicities and increase the treatment outcomes of patients with cancers through innovative clinical and laboratory research. Our investigations involve many of the most promising new technology of radiotherapy, including particle therapy, FLASH therapy, and the combination of molecular targeted therapy, immune therapy agents currently known. We emphasize rigorous study conduct and impeccable study design, and many of our studies have been developed through cooperative group mechanisms. We also emphasize this position will conduct cells or tumor irradiation and will involve possibilities of working during weekends and late hours when needed.

Key Functions:

1. Tissue Culture:
* Maintain and establish culture of human and murine cells, which require rigorous sterile techniques. Observe and identify cell changes under the microscope, determine cell counts and cell viability.
* Prepare sterile media and solutions.
* Purify cells by various methods and monitor cells for proliferation and activation by standard laboratory methods.
* Monitor supplies, order and store tissue culture and other supplies to ensure efficient functioning.
* Prepare cells for cryogenic storage and keep them organized and updated on the laboratory inventoried cell stock list.
* The above requires using the microscope for prolonged periods, working for prolonged periods with hands extended under a flow hood and lifting cases (<50lbs).

2. Molecular and Cellular Biology:
* RNA/DNA isolation and the PCR (endpoint and quantitative) technique.
* Protein isolation, immunoprecipitation, western-blot technique.
* Cell viability and proliferation assays.
* Cell clonogenic survival assay and cell irradiation technique.
* Application of flow cytometry for apoptosis, cell cycle analysis
* siRNA and shRNA knock-down experiments.
* Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry.
* Molecular cloning and mutagenesis techniques.
* Functional Assays: Boyden chamber migration and Invasion assays.

3. Work with Animals or Animal/Human Products:
* Work on tumor xenografts initiation, tumor irradiation and tumor measurements.
* Conduct experiments involving animals and animal or human tissues, in accordance with appropriate institutional and regulatory guidelines.
* Knowledgeable of safety concerns when working with animal/human tissues.
* Work on human blood samples and knowledgeable of safety concerns.
* Work on animal tissues will require application of universal safety precautions at all times.
* Effectively communicate with the Department of Veterinary Medicine to process samples (tissues, tissue blocks, and slides) and will manage/maintain accurate records/samples.

4. Record Keeping and Data Collection:
* Maintain accurate, detailed records and experimental data and protocols.
* Prepare graphs, slides and tables via photography, computer, or manually.
* Develop a step-by-step written procedure outlining the specific actions required to conduct the experiment before proceeding.
* Read literature and confer with supervisor regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project.

5. Laboratory Safety/Lab Equipment Maintenance:
*Demonstrate and practice lab safety precautions.
* Receive verbal and/or written instructions from supervisor on standards and specialized lab safety procedures.
* Attend annual safety courses required by MDA and other agencies. Handle, store, and dispose of radioactive isotopes, chemically hazardous materials, and bio hazardous materials in procedure specified to meet MDA safety guidelines.
* Follow manufacturers guidelines regarding the handling and maintenance of all lab equipment. Have working knowledge of equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals whenever necessary.
* Order reagents and materials when needed.
* Monitor work flow as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance, and preparing stock solutions.
* Develop, record, and maintain a central repository of plasmids, bacteria, and adenovirus, using stocks developed by each lab member.

6. Organization and performance of laboratory procedures:
* Expand knowledge of ongoing techniques in the laboratory and enhance proficiency in planning, executing, and troubleshooting these techniques.
* Participate in adopting new techniques (both in vitro and in vivo) while continuously increasing knowledge and skills to enhance lab research efforts.
* Maintain assertiveness and flexibility in approaching new techniques and responsibilities; utilize good work habits and time management.
* Maintain alertness and careful attention to avoid injury to self and others due to chemicals and hazardous materials in the laboratory.

Marginal Job Functions
Other duties as assigned.

Education
Required: Bachelor's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences.

Preferred: Master's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences.

Experience
Required: Two years experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.

Preferred: Previous experience in animal study, cell culture and in vivo and in vitro org.

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: 137229
* Employment Status: Per Diem
* Employee Status: Regular
* FLSA: non-exempt, eligible for overtime, and is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
* Work Week: Varied
* Fund Type: Hard
* Pivotal Position: Yes
* Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 36,000
* Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 44,500
* Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 54,000
* Science Jobs: Yes