Genetics is a basic science department located in the George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Sciences Research Building at the world-renowned University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the heart of the Texas Medical Center (https://www.tmc.edu/) . The focus is on advancing knowledge of the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate normal and abnormal cellular processes

GENETICS (https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/departments-divisions/genetics.html)

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of biology, genetics and other biomedical or related basic science areas. Skills include independently perform animal studies including but not limited to the following technical skills: IP injections, oral gavage drug delivery, sample preparations for sequencing or other pathological analyses, histology, subcutaneous cell injections, tracheal intubations, anatomical measurements, survival surgical procedures, tissue harvesting and processing, as well as genotyping, breeding, and maintain mouse colonies. Proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques and tissue cell culture preferred. Understanding of cell signaling or lung cancer is preferred, albeit animal experience in all areas welcomed. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining animal safety standards and protocols, as well as for training other personnel in animal techniques.

Additionally, may construct, assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Read literature and confer with superiors regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project. Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Lab and Animal Studies

• Exercises considerable imagination, initiative and inventiveness in planning and executing the details of experiments/studies and in evaluating and interpreting the results.

• Works with the Principal Investigator on projects in the area of glioma stem cells (GSCs) in malignant glioma (glioblastoma).

• Participates in adopting new techniques and learning new skills to enhance research efforts.

• Performing laboratory studies using complex techniques including flow cytometry, tissue culture (maintaining mammalian cells, growth assays, drug response assays, transfection and viral infection), nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry.

• Performing animal studies including in utero lentiviral injection, grafting, surgeries, genotyping, injecting tumor cells, monitoring and recording progress of experiments, dosing animals with drugs, animal imaging, necropsy, preparation of tissue samples for histological processing. Animals include "nude" and conventional mice.

Techniques and Records

• Responsible for major participation in the development and revision of techniques, assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment.

• Orders and organizes supplies for the laboratory.

• Performs regular monitoring of safety standards in the laboratory, maintains records of hazardous materials.

Reports and Grants

• Collaborates or assists with supervisor and senior research staff with preparation of reports and grant requests.

Laboratory Organization and Monitoring

• Orders and organizes supplies for the laboratory.

• Performs regular monitoring of safety standards in the laboratory, maintains records of hazardous materials.

• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

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: Must be willing to work with mice.

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

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 170118

• Employment Status: Full-Time

• Employee Status: Regular

• Work Week: Days

• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 44,000

• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 54,500

• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 65,500

• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

• Fund Type: Soft

• Work Location: Onsite

• Pivotal Position: Yes

• Referral Bonus Available?: No

• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

• Science Jobs: Yes

#LI-Onsite