Research Assistant I - Experimental Radiation Oncology

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 I position is to carry out various laboratory research projects in the laboratory of Dr. Mazur, focused on the development of novel cancer therapies using next-generation animal models of lung, pancreatic and stomach cancer (see our recent research publications: Cell, 2019, Cancer Cell 2020, Nature 2021, Cancer Discovery 2022, Nature Biomed Eng, 2023 and mdanderson.org/MazurLab). Technical experience with handling animals (mice), including genotyping, performing injections, and euthanasia, is strongly preferred. The RAI must be able to provide technical and coordination skills in carrying out animal research projects and perform technical laboratory duties. This is an opportunity for a reliable and self-motivated person to participate in cutting-edge cancer research. This position requires working with animals (mice). The position also requires the creativity to design experiments and the ability to analyze data. By nature, this job will require a great ability to interact with a number of people on a day-to-day basis. 

KEY FUNCTIONS
•    Manage and maintain the lab’s mouse colony by breeding, ear-tagging, genotyping, weaning and
•    euthanizing animals 
•    Perform daily animal care and health checks. 
•    Perform chemo-/immunotherapy of the animal models of lung, pancreas, and stomach cancer. 
•    Perform animal model cancer imaging using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and micro-Computed Tomography (mCT).
•    Perform histological tumor sample microtome sections and stainings, including immunohistochemical stainings.
•    Maintain accurate, detailed records of the protocols and experimental data, including mouse record and data.
•    Perform laboratory maintenance such as maintaining equipment and lab stocks, managing chemical inventory and safety records, and providing general lab support as needed.