Laboratory Technician - Leukemia

Laboratory Technician - Leukemia

This position supports cutting-edge molecular and translational research in cancer biology, with a focus on epigenetics, cell culture, and animal models.

The ideal candidate is a motivated research professional with strong experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and tissue culture techniques. They should have hands-on experience with DNA/RNA preparation, transfection, gene expression analysis, and cell culture, including human leukemia and lymphoma lines. Familiarity with animal models, laboratory safety, and collaborative research practices is essential. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, along with attention to detail, are required. A Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field and relevant laboratory experience are preferred.

The hours for the position are Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm

Salary Range Minimum $38,000 Midpoint $47,500 Maximum $57,000

MD Anderson offers our employees:

- Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
- Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
- Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
- Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
- Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
- Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program

- Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups.

Research Focus and Core Responsibilities

• The basic and translational research focus of this laboratory includes epigenetic mechanisms involving histone deacetylases, methyltransferases and demethylases, heat shock proteins and their cancer and leukemia-relevant client proteins, as well as transfection and functional analyses of genes regulating cell death/survival of human cancer cells.
  
   
• Experience in culture of human leukemia and lymphoma cell lines, as well as animal studies involving NOD/SCID or nude mice and mouse imaging (xenogen and MRI), is highly desirable.
  Experience in molecular techniques involving plasmid DNA preparations and transfection, the analysis of gene expression including QPCR, microarrays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, evaluation of protein biochemistry with 2D gels, animal models, the yeast-two-hybrid system, confocal microscopy, and tissue culture are also preferred.
  
  
• Performs quality research in relation to current research projects, interprets results of experiments, and makes necessary changes in procedures when needed. Compiles data sheets.
  
  
• Organizes and performs routine procedures involving molecular biology and biochemistry of RNA processing. Requires experience in tissue culture, DNA & RNA preparation, PCR, DNA cloning, protein synthesis, and electrophoresis.
  
  
• Requires knowledge of standard radiographic techniques. Dark room usage is essential, as is use and proper handling of radioisotopes.
  
  
• Works with laboratory animals such as mice and rats to perform interventional procedures such as tail vein injections and orthotopic implantations. Retrieves, maintains, and catalogs specimen stocks from outside reference laboratories. Responsible for daily monitoring of the PDX mouse models in the mouse facility, including xenogen camera imaging of leukemia and tumor burden and harvesting of blood samples, spleen, and bone marrow samples from euthanized mice.

Research Support and Administrative Duties

• Responsible for providing laboratory services, tissue culture, processing research samples, and/or cataloging samples as required. Interacts with principal investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and other research personnel in communicating experimental design and results.
  
  
  
• Performs quality research in relation to current research projects and other identified needs. Interprets results of experiments and makes necessary procedural changes when needed. Compiles data sheets.
  
  
• Conducts library work: finds and copies journal articles as required, reads and understands articles related to ongoing research, and maintains references in a manual filing system.
  
  Requires strong reading and comprehension skills as well as diligence, patience, and the ability to carry several heavy books at a time.
  
  
  
• Assembles samples, reagents, dry or wet ice, data, and packaging materials. Drafts cover letters, accurately and legibly fills out shipping labels, and delivers packages to the receiving area prior to pickup.
  
   
• Maintains accurate and legible logs of outgoing and incoming packages. For incoming packages, ascertains contents, stores at appropriate locations, files information sheets, notifies the principal investigator, and updates pertinent inventory logs.
  
  
• Performs and coordinates scientific experiments collaboratively with other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and staff members. Monitors workflow as it pertains to supply needs, equipment maintenance, and stock solutions.

Equipment Monitoring, Maintenance, and Safety

• Conducts daily monitoring of laboratory equipment, verifying correct temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, incubators, etc.
  Weekly maintenance includes cleaning and disinfecting refrigerators and incubators. Performs daily counter cleanup and disinfection to ensure laboratory safety.
  
  Bags waste and transports it to appropriate refuse areas in accordance with safety standards and guidelines. Maintains all safety precautions and performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
  
  
• Must comply with all institutional safety policies, including Universal Precautions and OSHA standards, when handling toxic, hazardous, flammable, or potentially infectious or carcinogenic materials.
  
  This may require wearing protective garments or equipment such as gloves, eye protection, face masks, gowns, or lab coats. Additionally, some procedures may require the use of a fume hood or biological safety cabinet.

This position supports molecular and translational research by performing DNA/RNA preparation, PCR, cloning, protein analysis, transfection, and gene expression studies. The candidate will maintain and culture cell lines and animal models, including leukemia/lymphoma lines and PDX mouse models, and assist with procedures such as tail vein injections and tumor monitoring. Additional responsibilities include data collection and analysis, equipment maintenance, adherence to safety standards, and supporting research operations through sample processing, inventory management, and literature organization.