Research Assistant I - Leukemia

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 2018 rankings. It is one of  the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The Research Assistant I provides technical assistance in carrying out various research projects. 

KEY FUNCTIONS

1. Tissue culture

•  Maintains and establishes tissue culture cell lines which require good sterile techniques and the ability to observe and identify cell changes under the microscope, determine cell counts on the hemocytometer or coulter counter, performs colony counts or determine cell viability. Prepares sterile media and solutions.

•  Monitors, and shelves tissue culture supplies to ensure efficient functioning. Prepare cells for cryogenic storage and reestablishment by the use of small vials, dry ice and liquid nitrogen.

2. Single cell and molecular techniques:

•  Isolates, purifies and analyzes, rna, dna and protein including hybridization, gel electrophoresis autoradiography, ECLstaining, performing PCR reactions, quantitative rt- PCR assay, DNA sequencing, multiparametric flow cytometry,  and assays for signal transduction and phosphoflow

•  Processes and stains samples for flow cytometry and mass cytometry using fluorescent and metal conjugated antibodies

•  Analyzes data generated using mass cytometry, flow cytometry and immuno-histochemistry.

•  Purification and conjugation of immunoglobulins using fluorescent and metal tags. Should have basic knowledge of solution and buffer preparation in which ionic concentration and ph is critical. Should have basic training in use and safety of radioisotopes.

•  In vivo experiments – should be able to conduct in vivo experiments with mice following institutional guidelines.  I.V., s.C., and I.P. Injection of cells and drugs, bioluminescence imaging, orbital bleeds, autopsies, tissue collection

2. Laboratory equipment and maintenance:

• Performs routine maintenance of ultra-low freezers, liquid nitrogen, c02 and water levels. Should be able to maintain equipment such as high-speed centrifuges, pH meters and microfuges.

•  Manually operates and maintains the lab equipment. Visually reads equipment operation manuals and procedure manual whenever necessary. Must be able to lift and carry items up to 20-25 pounds and carry or move from one area of the lab to another by using a roller cart. Must be able to comply with all institutional safety policies including universal precautions and osha standards when handling toxic, hazardous, flammable, radioactive 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.