Instructor

Position Title: Instructor, Research Faculty Appointment

Department: Lymphoma/Myeloma

Division: Cancer Medicine

Reports to: Chair and Professor

Mission Statement

The mission of The University of Texas MD 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

Responsible for developing and performing very technical laboratory experiments. These experiments include the use of radioactive isotopes, multiple types of chemical reagents, phase-contrast microscopes, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, etc. Utmost attention to accuracy, detail, record-keeping and good work habits must be maintained. In addition, this individual must prepare manuscripts for publication as well as travel to national and international meetings to present information about these studies. Must have ability and willingness to observe and comply with all institutional rules that follow OSHA regulations.

May participate in the teaching activities of the department and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Must have ability to receive and give clear and concise verbal and written communications. Technical duties require good hand-eye coordination, the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, walk long distances, manual dexterity, and visual acumen. In addition, duties will involve the use of several different radioactive isotopes, fume hoods, biological safety cabinets and/or radio-iodination hoods. To accomplish some of the duties protective garments must be worn such as gloves, lab coats, lead-lined laboratory aprons/gloves and safety goggles.

Core Values

Caring Behaviors

·       Courtesy: Is respectful and courteous to each other at all times; Gives full attention to others minimizing distractions; Does not gossip or air frustration inappropriately; Uses a respectful / professional tone of voice

·       Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork and inclusiveness; Is sensitive to the concerns of our patients and our co-workers; Expresses awareness of others' experiences and views; Listens to patients and coworkers' needs and empathizes with them; Is aware of and respects individual differences, such as age, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation, religion, culture, background, and experiences; Demonstrates collegiality to others in an effort to create a cooperative and collaborative environment     

Integrity Behaviors

·       Reliability: Promotes and adheres to MD Anderson’s Standards of Conduct in addition to all applicable institutional policies and procedures.; Communicates time expectations for tests, procedures, or service arrival, or project deliverables to patients and coworkers; By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Adheres to attendance policy by timely reporting to work and returning from breaks; Admits when wrong, apologizes and takes steps to resolve a situation 

·       Safety: Notices a safety concern and brings it to someone's attention; Models safe behavior (wears badge, washes hands, keeps work area clean and orderly); Mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices; Demonstrates ethical and personal responsibility in work and behavior

Discovery Behaviors

·       Responsiveness: Encourages learning, creativity, and new ideas; Responds to requests from others in a timely manner; Offers help before being asked; Provides help to patients and coworkers that may be outside of job responsibilities (does not say, "It's not my job."); Looks for new and better ways of doing things

·       Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so; Leads by example; Actively encourages others to contribute ideas; Holds self and others accountable for practicing our values

Key Functions

Assay Techniques: The following assay techniques are performed-radioimmunoassays, radioenzymatic assays. Column work consists of liquid chromatography and flow cytometry. Low to ultra high-speed ultracentrifuges are used. Radioactive labeling of cellular proteins and analysis by acrylamide gel electrophoreses.

Assay Development: Research is conducted to select a procedure to use for assay development that will require knowledge of solvents, chemical characteristics and column selection based on previous experience. This process requires perseverance and patience to select solvent makeup and column type, sample preparation (plasma or urine). Pipetting during sample and injection preparation must be accomplished using a very steady arm and hand movements. Due to the use of potentially hazardous chemicals and agents, protective garments must be worn; (gloves, lab coats, goggles, face mask, etc). This individual must comply with institutional rules that follow OSHA regulations.

Tissue culture: Derivation, maintenance and cryopreservation of human cell lines. Reaching into nitrogen freezers for cell lines at temperatures of -170 degrees is required. In addition, must go to hospital to pick up specimens and bring back to laboratory.

Preparation of reagents is required and some of the reagents used in the laboratory are carcinogenic requiring the use of gloves, lab coats and at times facemasks. Pipette manipulation--serial dilutions, multi-well plate filling with multi-channel pipettes. Requires good hand-eye coordination and visual acumen. Analysis of protein structure by use of radioactive labeling procedures is essential.

Preparation of Chemical, Reagent and Dyes: Requires weighing, mixing and aliquotting a variety of chemicals, reagents and dyes, some of which are noted as toxic and/or carcinogenic. Standard laboratory equipment is used such as magnetic mixers, pH meters, balances, centrifuges, pipettes, water baths, etc. Requires good visual skills and knowledge of the various chemicals, reagents and dyes.

Radioactive Isotopes: Cells and proteins are labeled with 125I, 51Cr, 35S, and 3H. Must have some knowledge of the different radioactive isotopes. Safety training is required for the handling of all radioactive isotopes that is held in the hospital and reached by shuttle bus. Radioactive wastes must be disposed of and requires lifting of bags (10-20 pounds) and carrying to appropriate disposal site. Accurate records must be kept of radioactive isotope inventory control and waste disposal. Wipe tests must be done in accordance with institutional rules and individual must be present during audit of records from State of Texas.

Presentation of Research Results: Individual will travel to scientific meetings as necessary to present results of experiments and make ready results for publications of manuscript/abstracts. In addition, must prepare for publication in peer review scientific journals.

Requires maintaining meticulous record of experimental data and protocols whereby individual will sit for long periods of time in addition to going to library. Will use computer analysis to provide slides and graphs of data. Must be able to communicate in a clear and understandable manner.

Marginal Functions: Read scientific articles and references. Communicate and collaborate verbally and in print with other investigators at UTMDACC and other institutions. Use computer to record data and prepare presentations of data. Read and retain knowledge of instructions for all machines and equipment utilized in laboratory. Prepare and edit manuscripts, scientific presentations and abstracts. Must be certified by the IBC for use of isotopes. Must be able to do library work such as searches and retrievals, use of TexSearch, BRS Colleague, etc.

Core Competencies

·       IC – Team with Others:

o   Encourage collaboration and input from all team members;

o   Value the contributions of all team members; and

o   Balance individual and team goals

·       IC – Self-Motivation:

o   Set high standards of performance;

o   Pursue goals with energy and persistence; and

o   Drive for results and achievement.

·       IC – Oral Communication:

o   Express ideas clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one conversations; and

o   Create an environment with open channels of communication.