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Experienced Mouse Research Assistant II
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of biology, genetics and other biomedical or related basic science areas. Skills include independently perform animal studies including but not limited to the following technical skills: IP injections, oral gavage drug delivery, sample preparations for sequencing or other pathological analyses, histology, subcutaneous cell injections, exposures, tracheal intubations, anatomical measurements, survival surgical procedures, tissue harvesting and processing, as well as genotyping, breeding, and maintain mouse colonies. Proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques and tissue cell culture preferred. Understanding of cell signaling or lung cancer is preferred, albeit animal experience in all areas welcomed. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining animal safety standards and protocols, as well as for training other personnel in animal techniques. The position requires independent decision making, judgment and excellent organizational skills, and most of all, a desire and willingness to continue to learn new skills and techniques for this preferably long-term position.
Additionally, may construct, assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Read literature and confer with superiors regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project. Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Lab and Animal Studies
a) Exercises imagination, initiative and inventiveness in planning and executing the details of experiments/studies and in evaluating and interpreting the results. Works with the Principal Investigator on projects in the area of lung cancer mouse modeling via genetics, environmental exposures, etc. Participates in adopting new techniques and learning new skills to enhance research efforts.
b) Performing laboratory studies using complex techniques including flow cytometry, tissue culture (maintaining mammalian cells, growth assays, drug response assays, transfection and viral infection), nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Sequencing analyses background would be helpful but not required.
c) Performing animal studies including lentiviral delivery, surgeries, genotyping, injecting tumor cells, monitoring and recording progress of experiments, dosing animals with drugs, animal imaging, necropsy, preparation of tissue samples for histological processing. Animals include “immunocompromised” and conventional mice.
Techniques and Records
Responsible for major participation in the development and revision of techniques, assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment. Orders and organizes supplies for the laboratory. Performs regular monitoring of safety standards in the laboratory, maintains records of hazardous materials.
Reports and Grants
Collaborates or assists with supervisor and senior research staff with preparation of reports and grant requests.
Laboratory Organization and Monitoring
a) Orders and organizes supplies for the laboratory.
b) Performs regular monitoring of safety standards in the laboratory, maintains records of hazardous materials.
Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science or Medical Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required: 1 year scientific or experimental research work experience. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred: Experience with standard molecular biology techniques and mouse experiments is required. Proficiency in mouse handling is essential. Candidates must also have experience with data graphing using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
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
