Laboratory Technician - Molecular Techniques / Tissue Cultures - Leukemia

Laboratory Technician - Molecular Techniques / Tissue Cultures - Leukemia

MISSION STATEMENT

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 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 Report’s 2023-2024 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

Molecular Techniques / Tissue Cultures / Other Lab Procedures

• 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.

• Experience in 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, and 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.

• Work with laboratory animals such as mice and rats and 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 Procedures

• Responsible for providing laboratory services, tissue culture, processing research samples, and/or cataloging samples as required.

• Interacts with the 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 changes in procedures when needed. Compiles data sheets.

• Conducts library work: finds and copies journal articles as required. Reads and understands articles related to ongoing research.

• Maintains references in a manual filing system. Requires good reading and comprehension skills, as well as diligence, patience, and ability to carry several heavy books at a time.

• Assembles samples, reagents, dry or wet ice, data and packaging materials; drafts a cover letter; accurately and legibly fills out shipping labels; carries package to receiving area on ground floor prior to pick-up.

• Keeps accurate, legible logs of outgoing and incoming packages. For incoming packages: ascertains contents, stores at appropriate location, files information sheets, and notifies principal investigator. Updates pertinent inventory logs.

• Performs and coordinates scientific experiments in a collaborative effort with other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and staff members.

• Monitors workflow as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance, and stock solutions.

Equipment Monitoring / Maintenance / Safety

• Equipment monitoring on a daily basis, verifying correct temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, incubators, etc.

• Equipment maintenance on a weekly basis includes cleaning and disinfecting refrigerators and incubators.

• Daily counter cleanup and disinfection to ensure safety of the laboratory workplace.

• Bags waste and transports to appropriate refuse area utilizing safety standards and guidelines. Maintains all safety precautions.

• Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.

• Must be able to 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 common protective garments or equipment such as gloves, eye protection, face mask, gown or lab coat, etc.

• Additionally, some procedures may require the use of a fume hood or biological safety cabinet.

Other Duties as Assigned