Senior Research Assistant

The Surgical Oncology Department at MD Anderson’s Cancer Center treats patients with a wide variety of malignant and benign tumors.  The Keung's Laboratory seeks to understand the molecular pathogenesis and immuno-oncology of soft tissue sarcomas. Our goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies and to translate these into the clinic to improve outcomes for our patients with these challenging cancers.

The department is unique in its integration of clinician-scientists with direct access to patient tumors, enabling research that is closely aligned with clinical realities. The team brings international expertise in sarcoma, creating a depth of knowledge that is rare and highly specialized. This expertise is further strengthened by strong collaborations across sarcoma research and other departments, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach that accelerates discovery and innovation.

The ideal candidate would have demonstrated technical expertise with in vitro and in vivo wet lab techniques, would have excellent communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal). The candidate should be able to function both independently and as a part of the team and should demonstrate drive to make cancer history. Experience in cancer research and sarcoma is highly desirable!  

Shift: Days, On-site, 100%

Salary: Minimum $51,500.00 - Midpoint $64,500.00 - Maximum $77,500.00

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Projects and Initiatives: Assists principal investigator in the development and design of translational research to ensure value and feasibility of proposal. Exercises considerable imagination, initiative and inventiveness in planning and executing the details of experiments and in evaluating and interpreting the results.

Demonstrates Good Lab Ethics:
• Maintains a clean and neat work area in laboratory to ensure the most safe and efficient functioning of the lab and a pleasant work environment.
• Maintains assertiveness and flexibility in approaching new techniques and responsibilities, utilizing good work habits and time management.
• Must read and retain knowledge of instructions for all machines and equipment utilized in laboratory.
• At all times, must adhere to the institutional and departmental guidelines for research ethics.
• Assist with overall monitoring of lab inventory: quantities and types of supplies needed in the lab on a regular basis.
• Maintains a level of professional expertise and credibility through attendance at both institutional and outside continuing education programs.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills when contacting other co-workers, institutions, and agencies.

Data Acquisition and Analysis: Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested. Maintains up-to-date, thorough, clear, accurate and well-organized records of laboratory data (experimental procedures and results), both written and electronic, accessible by the supervisor at all times. Independently enters, organizes, and analyzes data including updating tissue/blood databases and performing queries and providing inventory/stock information. Designs and maintains reports (scientific and management) on the databases for various research studies. Assists the principal investigator with computational data including abstraction from electronic medical record and entry of research data into computerized databases, data analysis, and providing results in various formats such as tables, text, and figures as needed. Analyzes and evaluates research data and revises techniques and approaches to work problems. Responsible for major participation in the development and revision of techniques, assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment. Reads literature and confers with superiors regarding new procedures and modifies them according to the needs of the project.
• Prepare and/or assist in getting the experimental results ready for publications (manuscript/abstracts) as needed. In addition, assist and/or prepare for publications in peer review scientific journals. Must be able to use computer analysis to provide slides and graphs of data. Assists with statistical analysis of research studies.

Publications/ Manuscripts and Presentations: Collaborates on the research findings and participates in the presentation of research results via verbal presentations, abstracts, publications, and posters. Independently write reports detailing methods, results, and impacts of assigned issues. Compose technical reports, abstracts, slide presentations, spreadsheets, posters, and manuscripts for submission to corporate and federal sponsors, conferences, and scientific journals. Collaborates or assists with supervisor and senior research staff with preparation of reports and grant requests. Supervises technicians in their work and assists them as assigned or delegated.

General Laboratory Management: Oversees the daily lab functions: supplies, ordering, general equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Maintains a well-organized lab for optimal workflow. Communicates with the PI and/or the lab manager to resolve any potential lab safety issues. Assists with drafting/revisions of laboratory IRB, IBC, and IACUC protocols. Keeping credentialing and training up-to-date at all times.

Experimental Design and Execution:
• Coordinates and conducts experiments and carries out research projects in varied areas including immunology, molecular biology, or related basic science areas.
• Conducts all cell and tissue-based assays such as immunohistochemical assays (biological specimen collection, processing for analysis and preservation), in vitro cell proliferation/ cell death assays, molecular biology techniques, flow cytometry, microscopy and molecular profiling experiments.
• Constructs, assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Experienced in tissue culture techniques (derivation, maintenance, and cryopreservation of human cell lines).
• Prepares buffers, dyes and common lab reagents.
• Acquisition and storage of tumors treated as part of drug studies. Records, organizes, and analyzes data obtained in animal experiments. Designs cohort studies of tumor-bearing mice treated with novel and existing agents.
• Regularly communicates with the clinical research team regarding patient accrual for sample acquisition.
• Works independently and as a member of the team to ensure that samples are processed and related experiments are conducted in a timely and consistent manner.

Other duties as assigned