Research Investigator - 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 Investigator position is to assist principal investigator with scientific research projects. The Research investigator will 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. 

Research Investigator opportunity in GI Medical Oncology - Research department. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in one of the natural sciences or related field and five years of experience in scientific or experimental research work.  With a master’s degree in one of the natural sciences or related field three years of experience is required.

Function: Applies technical expertise and experience to coordinate, design and carry out 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. 

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Animal work:

Will execute experimental therapeutics projects using in vivo/ex vivo/ in vitro models of colorectal cancer under minimal supervision.  

Will follow all IACUC regulations and SOPs while handling and manipulating mice.

Perform survival surgeries for implantation of patient-derived tumor fragments (PDX) and cell lines.

Administer drug formulations to mice that include drug delivery via oral, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and or intra-venous routes.

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

Analyze the outcome of efficacy studies in mice after exposure to various drugs.

Perform end-of-study non-survival animal surgeries for collection of specimens for molecular characterization and ex vivo treatment. Previous experience with necropsy and mouse tissue (GI tract, blood, bone marrow, liver, spleen, lymph nodes) collection are required.

Extract immune cells from tumors and other tissues (bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes).

Record keeping: 

Maintain accurate data storage and record filling systems to include all pertinent data and specifications on all experiments performed. Use computer programs for data analysis and presentation.  Review and analyze scientific data and laboratory test results.

Assists with preparation of reagents and drug formulations.

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

Ensure the identification tags placed on each mouse are recorded accurately. Reporting any discrepancies to the supervisor is strongly advised.

Ensure that all collected tissue samples are properly labeled and promptly stored at appropriate required temperatures. Ensure that data is entered in a timely manner. 

Computer skills:

Enter, analyze, and plot experimental data under minimal supervision. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and GraphPad is required.    

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 updates on project timelines and write ups of methods and results is desired.

Assistance with Lab personnel training:

The capacity to assist with training of Research assistants, graduate students, and fellows is desired.

Safety: 

Must maintain a clean and orderly workplace. 

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