The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to provide technical assistance, coordination, and support for a translational research lab that focuses on natural product research in cancer treatment and prevention. This person will plan and carry out various research projects as assigned and provide assistance to professional laboratory staff. Coordinates and conducts experiments and carries out research projects in varied areas of chemistry, physics and other biomedical or related scientific fields. Constructs, assembles and operates apparatus and equipment. Records and evaluates data I accordance with methods requested.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Laboratory Research:
Coordinate and conduct experiments and carries out research projects that will include basic molecular and biochemical bench-work, cell culturing of mammalian cancer cell-lines and tumor lines, and various assays including but not limited to flow cytometry and cell killing assays.
Laboratory Inventory: Constructs, assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment. Purchasing and stocking laboratory supplies, preparation of media and reagents, optimization of lab protocols, and maintenance of laboratory equipment. This requires the monitoring of workflow and planning as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance and stock solutions
Teamwork: Perform duties in accordance with instructed methods under the direction of the principal investigator or designee. This position conducts close work with other technicians, students, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scientists and staff members in scientific protocols currently used. Good communication skills and good working knowledge of equipment and research aims are a necessity
Lab Studies: Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested. Adhere to institutional and regulatory guidelines when handling, recording, and collecting data and samples on both preclinical and clinical studies
Assistance with Journals and articles: Reads literature and confers with superiors regarding new procedures and modifies them according to the needs of the project. Good reading and comprehension skills are a necessity in understanding scientific articles and journals related to experiments being conducted. Attendance and participation at work related seminars and/or meetings are required
Animal Experiments: Conduct animal maintenance, inventory, breeding, anesthesia, euthanizing, genotyping (PCR and electrophoresis), and treatment administration (intravenous injection, intra peritoneal injection, gavage, et al). Help with animal imaging and harvesting tissue sample.
Grants and Reports: Assist with Reports and Grants. Collaborates or assists with supervisor and senior research staff with preparation of reports and grant requests.
Perform all duties listed and other duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Frequency
Hazardous Chemicals and Materials Wearing Protective Equipment Operating Equipment Noise Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and/or tissue Sedentary Environment
Required: Bachelor's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences.
Preferred: Master's degree with major course works in one of the basic sciences.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: One year experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred:
* Proficiency in molecular biology techniques
* Experience with animal work
* Familiarity with GraphPad software
* Cell culture experience
* PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
* Western blotting
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
