Job Description

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.

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to provide technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects. The Genomics Medicine Research Program is recruiting highly intelligent and motivated individuals to participate in cutting-edge genomics research focusing on cancer genetics. This position provides an outstanding opportunity for career development for both short-term research associates as well as recently graduated science majors with aspirations of graduate or medical school training. The laboratory utilizes cutting edge technologies and innovative approaches to dissect the molecular and cellular basis of cancer initiation, progression, and maintenance. There is a strong interest in ultimately translating these basic science discoveries towards drug development and improving patient treatment outcome. Individuals will be trained on multiple molecular biology techniques and will have the privilege of work with the most advanced biomedical equipment. Individuals will work with groups of talented molecular biologist to develop novel approaches to solving problems that will answer key questions central to accomplishing the goals set for a given project.

Key Functions
1. Responsible for coordinating and conducting experiments and research projects in varied areas of molecular biology, genomics or related scientific fields, including DNA/RNA extraction, quality analysis of analytes, TCR sequencing and basic molecular techniques.
2. Operates laboratory automation and equipment.
3. Assists with lab ordering and organization.
4. Ability to search and review the scientific literature for the purpose of developing SOP's
5. Proficiently use standard MS office products and willing to learn the LIMS systems developed/employed by the laboratory.
6. Assisting the lab manager with ensuring compliance with federal/MDACC safety requirements.
7. Entering data in concordance with methods requested and confers with superiors regarding results obtained.
8. Completing other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position requires :

Yes

No

Working in Office Environment

X

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

X

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

X

Exposure to harmful chemicals

X

Exposure to radiation

X

Exposure to animals

X

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Reaching

X

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Use computer/keyboard

X

Education

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

Preferred Master's degree with major course works in genetics or genomics.

Experience

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

Preferred:

Must be highly motivated, reliable, responsible, well organized and a careful record keeper with good attention to details.

Excellent communication skills are required as well as the ability to work well in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.

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: 136847
* Employment Status: Full-Time
* Employee Status: Regular
* FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
* Work Week: Days
* Fund Type: Soft
* 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