Research Assistant I - Puduvalli Lab (Neuro Oncology)

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

A Research Assistant I position is available in the Department of Neuro-Oncology in Dr. Puduvalli’s Lab: https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/vinay_puduvalli.html.The Research Assistant I will perform various scientific experiments under the supervision of the principal investigator.  The position will also be responsible for assisting in maintaining general laboratory operations.

The ideal candidate will have experience with mammalian cell cultures and basic molecular biology or cancer research related techniques.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Conducts research experiments and projects  

• Receives verbal and/or written instructions from principal investigator and lab faculty on standards and specialized lab safety procedures.
• Communicates results to and understands instructions from the principal investigator and colleagues.
• Reads and reviews literature and learns new technologies and scientific advancements as needed for projects.
• Discusses goals of each project with supervisor.
• Follows manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the handling and maintenance of all lab equipment.
• Will have working knowledge of equipment and all operations and procedures manuals. 
  1. Mammalian cell Culture: Required to have excellent mammalian cell culture technique and be able to maintain and store cell lines under sterile and healthy condition. Candidate should follow ATCC guideline for cell culture and cryogenic storage.
  2. Basic Techniques in Molecular Biology/ Cancer Biology: Extract DNA, RNA, or protein samples from cells or tissues. Perform cell proliferation (cytotoxicity) assay, soft agar assay, 3D- assay, migration, invasion, immunofluorescence staining, FACS analysis, western blot. Under supervision, designs and conducts in vitro experiments (such as RT-PCR, immunoblotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence, etc), analyzes data and interprets results.
  

Analysis and Interpretation of Experimental Data 

• Conducts experiments with accuracy and reproducibility and improves techniques as needed through active learning.
• Documents all data in an accurate and timely manner in a shared lab folder. 
• Exercises considerable imagination, initiative, and inventiveness in planning and executing the details of experiments, and in evaluating and interpreting the results.
• Provides thorough reports of experiments performed both in writing in a laboratory notebook and verbally at weekly group meetings. 
• These reports will include interpretation of the results, rationale for improvements on established experimental methods and plans for improvements in experimental design.

Data gathering and analysis  

• Demonstrates and practices lab safety precautions. 
• Maintains accurate, detailed records, experimental data, and protocols. 
• Prepares graphs, slides, and tables via photography, computer, or manually. 
• Develops a step-by-step written procedure outlining the specific actions required to conduct the experiment before proceeding. 
• Demonstrates and practices lab safety precautions. 
• Receives verbal and/or written instructions from principal investigator on standards and specialized lab safety procedures. 
• Attends all required safety courses. 
• Handles, stores, and disposes of radioactive isotopes, chemically hazardous materials, and biohazardous materials in procedure specified to meet MDA safety guidelines.
  

Other Duties as assigned   TBD

 CORE VALUES

Caring Behaviors

·       Courtesy: Is respectful and courteous to each other at all times.

·       Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork and inclusiveness; is sensitive to the concerns of our patients and our co-workers.

Integrity Behaviors

·       Reliability: Communicates frequently, honestly and openly.

·       Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for practicing our values.

·       Safety: Models safe behavior (wears badge and personal protective equipment, washes hands, and keeps work area clean and orderly); Notices a safety concern or emergency, understands role and uses proper procedures to report it; Mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices; Demonstrates ethical and personal responsibility in work and behavior

Discovery Behaviors

·       Responsiveness: By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Encourages learning, creativity and new ideas.

·       Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so.

COMPETENCIES

Service Orientation - Provide service to our customers, including patients, patient caregivers, referring physicians and each other, in a reliable, responsive, safe, friendly and courteous manner.

• Promotes collegiality by demonstrating respect and professionalism to others at all times

• Models safe, ethical behavior, mitigating risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Anderson’s Standards of Conduct, institutional policies and procedures

• Meets time and attendance expectations and responds to requests in a timely manner, communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to patients and coworkers

• Admits when wrong, apologize and take steps to resolve a situation to help to patients and coworkers before being asked