Research Assistant II - GI Med Oncology - Research

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.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to conduct research in cancer biology of intestinal adenocarcinomas. Work will focus upon the exploration of the mechanisms of treatment response and resistance to the treatments. Projects will include the use of primary and xenograft tumors and cell lines cultures. Work schedule may include rotating weekends and holidays.

Research Assistant II opportunity in the GI Medical Oncology – Research Department. The ideal candidate will have a master’s degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences or veterinary (animal sciences) and at least three years of experience in conducting experimental work with mice and managing mice colonies.

Shift: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

KEY FUNCTIONS

Function: To be a critical member of the research lab and to assist the Principal Investigator and/or immediate supervisor in carrying out technical aspects of research projects.

Scope: Responsible for the planning and successful execution of experiments in the area of cancer biology in accordance with general and/or specific plans received from the immediate supervisor. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Animal work:

Mouse handling and hands-on experience of drug dosing techniques (such as oral gavage, IP, IV and SQ) are required.

Measure tumor response via caliper and non-invasive imaging methods.

Perform survival surgeries for implantation of patient derived tumor fragments (PDX) and cell lines. Intra splenic injections is a big plus.

Perform non-survival animal surgeries for collection of specimens (tumor tissue and blood) for molecular characterization and ex vivo treatment. Previous experience with necropsy and mouse tissue (blood, bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes) collection is a big plus.

Able to move and safely manipulate animal cages, racks and water sources.

Willingness to learn new techniques and methodologies.

Other duties as assigned. 

Sample coordination and inventory:

Coordinate banking, retrieval, distribution, and submission of research samples with lab personnel, core facilities and collaborators. Maintain detailed logs of outgoing and incoming samples.

Ensure that all collected samples are properly labeled and deposited to the storage. Maintain accurate, detailed records of research samples. Ensure that data is entered in a timely manner. Reporting any discrepancies to the supervisor is strongly advised.

Lab work:

Surgical instruments prep.

Reagents preparation (buffers, and other solutions)

Maintain clean and safe laboratory environment.

Other duties as assigned. 

Record keeping:  

Maintain accurate, detailed records of mice colony (including growing PDX models). Ensure that data is entered in a timely manner. 

Ensure that the correct animal identification (ear tags) is placed on animals. Reporting any discrepancies to the supervisor is strongly advised.

Ensure that all collected tissue samples are properly labeled and deposited to the storage. Ensure that data is entered in a timely manner. 

Computer skills:

Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel) is required. 

Capable of making accurate database entries and reports.

Communication:  Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

Must be able to communicate results as well as any potential problems with experiments, in a clear and understandable manner to the supervisor and in lab meetings. 

Must be able to read articles and references and develop step-by-step written procedures to conduct experiments as well as communicate this information to the supervisor and other lab members.

The ability to provide concise and accurate write ups of methods and results is desired. 

Assistance with Lab personnel training:

The capacity to assist with training of graduate students, fellows and post-doctoral trainees is desired.

Safety:  

Must maintain a clean and orderly work place. 

Must have the ability and willingness to observe and comply with all institutional rules and OSHA regulations regarding biohazard and radiation safety.