Research Assistant II - GI Med Oncology - Research - MD Anderson

Summary

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to conduct research in cancer biology of esophageal, gastric, or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas. The primary use of basic to immediate molecular biology and tissue culture techniques will be performed to carry out the research projects in the Upper GI laboratory. Work will focus upon the exploration of the molecular characteristics of gastric and esophageal cancers and will focus upon animal models, current laboratory techniques, epigenetic techniques. Experiments to establish mechanisms of treatment response and resistance. Research focus would also be in understanding the immune related aspects of gastroesophageal cancers and to study the pathways involved in immune cells/tumor interaction, and immune checkpoint therapy.

Key Functions

1. Animal Work: Manage mouse colony under minimal supervision. Perform survival surgeries for implantation of patient derived tumor fragments (PDX and others) and cell lines. Hands-on experience of drug dosing techniques (such as oral gavage, IP and SQ) are required. Measure tumor response via caliper and non-invasive imaging methods. Analyze the outcome of efficacy studies. Perform non-survival animal surgeries for collection of specimens for molecular characterization and ex vivo treatment. Previous experience with necropsy and mouse tissue (blood, bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes) collection are required. Extract immune cells from human tumor and mouse tissue (bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes).
2. Molecular techniques: Perform basic to intermediate molecular biology techniques such as DNA, RNA and protein extraction and measurement, DNA, RNA and protein gel electrophoresis (agarose and polyacrylamide) hybridization techniques (Southern, Northern and Western blots, In situ Hybridization), real-time quantitative RT-PCR, recombinant DNA cloning and computer analysis of DNA sequences and PCR and primer design. Will also have to learn techniques for instruments available in the laboratory such as Spatial transcriptomics (10X platforms) and Cosmx platform. Work will also involve the use antibodies in various immunostaining techniques and other indirect immunofluorescence techniques such as for flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
3. Tissue culture: Establish cell lines from xenograft and PDX tumors. Maintain numerous established cell lines using standard tissue culture techniques including plating cells, determining cell counts and cell viability, transient and stable transfections, proliferation and functional assays, freezing cell lines properly to assure cell viability and aid in maintaining an organized cell repository.
4. Clinical samples: Processing clinical samples following the proper SOP, including tissues, blood, fluids.
5. Record keeping: Maintain accurate, detailed records of experimental data and protocols in accordance with methods requested. This involves the use of computers to record what samples were received, how they were processed, what materials were produced, who they were distributed to and where they were stored.
6. Communication: Must be able to understand and carry out instructions both verbal and written. 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.
7. 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 radiation safety. Must have a working knowledge in the proper handling of hazardous chemicals such as phenol, ethidium bromide, acrylamide, and formamide. Must have a basic understanding of and willingness to work with radioisotopes.
8. General requirements: Working knowledge of various laboratory equipment and apparatus, standard radiographic techniques and basic techniques for handling chemicals and accurately prepare media, solutions, and reagents. An understanding of the basic scientific terminology and concepts central to cancer research. An ability to perform searches and retrieval of information both through the library and online. Willingness to learn new techniques, to cooperate with other staff, students, fellows, visitors, and collaborators, and to assist in other laboratory activities as needed.

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: None

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

Required: None

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: 171643
• 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: No

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