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 Sr. Research Assistant position is to exercise considerable imagination, initiative and inventiveness in planning and executing the details of experiments and in evaluating and interpreting the results. Responsible for major participation in the development and revision of techniques, assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment. Collaborates or assists with supervisor and senior research staff with preparation of reports and grant requests. Supervises technicians in their work and assists them as assigned or delegated.

Research and Development
Research and Development in the areas of Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Virology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry.
DNA & RNA isolation and plasmid purification
Transfection
Western blotting, PCR and genotyping
Cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis assays
MTT and colony formation assays
FACS analysis
Basic immunohistochemistry assays
Animal studies (mice) including subcutaneous implantation of cancer cells, intravenous and intraperitoneal injection of drugs and measurement of tumor volumes
Radiation usage

Cell Culture and Record Keeping
The ability to perform general cell culture procedures using sterile technique, which would involve the growth and maintenance of various cell lines. Maintain Cell Culture Cell freezing, seeding, passage, and viability/growth analysis/cell death. Conduct molecular analysis in tissue culture cells.

Record keeping and data maintenance to meet supervisor, department / institute directives. Records experimental data by manually writing in a notebook or enter into a computer database. Collects and accurately calculate experimental data under the guidance of supervisor. Prepares graphs and charts by using computer.

Collaborates or assists with supervisor and senior research staff with preparation of reports and grant requests. Supervises technicians in their work and assists them as assigned or delegated.

General Lab Duties
Assists with general lab functions as directed by lab supervisor. Maintains condition of -80C freezers in main laboratory. Coordinate with department lab coats receiving and billing. Participate in equipment validation. Participate in an as needed basis on projects assigned by research supervisor.

Other duties as assigned

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

Education Preferred
Master's degree

Experience Required:
Three years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, one year of required experience

Experience Preferred
- Cell culture experience
- Basic molecular biology/cell biology experience (PCR, Western blot)
- Mouse handling 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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information
* Requisition ID: 138645
* 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) 39,200
* Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 49,000
* Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 58,800
* Science Jobs: Yes