Senior Research Assistant - Leukemia

KEY FUNCTIONS

Molecular Techniques/Tissue Cultures/Other Lab Procedures

• The basic and translational research focus of this laboratory includes epigenetic mechanisms involving histone deacetylases, methyltransferases and demethylases, heat shock proteins and their cancer and leukemia-relevant client proteins, as well as transfection and functional analyses of genes regulating cell death/survival of human cancer cells. Experience in culture of human leukemia and lymphoma cell lines. As well as animal studies involving NOD/SCID or nude mice, and mouse imaging (xenogen and MRI) is highly desirable. Experience in molecular techniques involving plasmid DNA preparations and transfection, the analysis of gene expression including QPCR, microarrays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, evaluation of protein biochemistry with 2D gels, animal models, the yeast-two-hybrid system, confocal microscopy and tissue culture are also preferred.
• Performs quality research in relation to current research projects, and interprets results of experiments and makes necessary changes in procedures when needed. Compiles data sheets.
• Organizes and performs routine procedures involving molecular biology and biochemistry of RNA processing. Requires experience in tissue culture, DNA & RNA preparation, PCR, DNA cloning, protein synthesis and electrophoresis
• Requires knowledge of standard radiographic techniques. Dark room usage is essential as is use and proper handling of radioisotopes.
• Work with laboratory animals such as mice and rats and to perform interventional procedures such as tail vein injections and orthotopic implantations. Retrieves, maintains, and catalogs specimen stocks from outside reference laboratories. Assumes greater responsibility for daily monitoring of the PDX mouse models in the mouse facility, including xenogen camera imaging of leukemia and tumor burden and harvesting of blood samples, spleen and bone marrow samples from euthanized mice.

Research Procedures

• Responsible for providing laboratory services, tissue culture, processing research samples, and/or cataloging samples as required. Interacts with the principal investigators, postdoctoral fellows and other research personnel in communicating experimental design and results.
• Takes responsibility for making minor amendments to the IRB, IBC and IACUC protocols..
• Performs quality research in relation to current research projects, and other identified needs. Interprets results of experiments, and makes necessary changes in procedures when needed. Compiles data sheets.
• Conducts Library Work. Finds and copies journal articles as required. Reads and understands articles related to ongoing research. Maintains references in a manual filing system. Requires good reading and comprehension skills as well as diligence, patience and ability to carry several heavy books at a time.
• Assemble samples, reagents, dry or wet ice, data and packaging materials; draft a cover letter, accurately and legibly fill out shipping labels; carry package to receiving area on ground floor prior to pick up. Keep accurate legible logs of outgoing and incoming packages. For incoming packages, ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify principal investigator. Update pertinent inventory logs.
• Performs and coordinates scientific experiments in a collaborative effort with other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and staff members. Monitors work flow as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance and stock solutions.

Equipment Monitoring/Maintenance/Safety

• Equipment monitoring on a daily basis verifying correct temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, incubators, etc. Equipment maintenance on a weekly basis includes cleaning and disinfecting refrigerators and incubators. Daily counter clean up and disinfection to ensure safety of the laboratory work place. Bags waste and transports to appropriate refuse area utilizing safety standards and guidelines. Maintains all safety precautions. Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Must be able to comply with all institutional safety policies including Universal Precautions and OSHA standards when handling toxic, hazardous, flammable, or potentially infectious or carcinogenic materials. This may require wearing common protective garments or equipment such as gloves, eye protection, face mask, gown or lab coat, etc. Additionally, some procedures may require the use of a fume hood or biological safety cabinet.

Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

EXPERIENCE

Required: Three years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, one year of required experience.

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: 165603
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days, Weekends
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 50,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 62,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 75,000
• 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

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