Research Assistant I - Radiation Oncology - Research

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.

The Research Assistant I will become a key contributor to a basic and translational cancer immunology research program that applies systems-level and mechanistic tools to discover regulators of tumor immune activation and suppression. Under supervision by the Principal Investigator and senior members of the laboratory, the Research Assistant I will learn and conduct a wide range of experiments including molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, single-cell RNA-sequencing), mammalian cell culture, lentiviral production and transduction, CRISPR editing, flow cytometry, and microscopy. The Research Assistant I will record and evaluate data and operate, maintain, and install new laboratory equipment as needed.

We are interested in hiring a responsible and enthusiastic individual with a strong desire for learning and career development, and a motivation to contribute to the next generation of cancer therapies.

If desired and after appropriate training, the Research Assistant I will have the opportunity to lead research projects, read and present scientific literature and data in formats such as journal club, present at seminars and national and international conferences, and earn authorship on peer-reviewed scientific publications, including first authorship as appropriate to the level of contribution. There are many resources for mentorship and career development and the laboratory is located within the Zayed building, a modern, world-class research facility with state of the art equipment and a highly collaborative scientific culture.

KEY FUNCTIONS
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator and with appropriate training, the Research Assistant I independently performs:
• Routine cell culture of human lymphocytes and immortalized cell lines
• Flow cytometry
• DNA and RNA extractions, PCR, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, library prep for next-generation sequencing
• Lentiviral production, titration, and transduction
• Maintenance of equipment and reagents
• Detailed documentation of experimental work; maintain clear and accurate records of laboratory data, both written and electronic, accessible at all times by the supervisor
• Data analysis
• Participation in journal clubs, seminars, and lab meetings as well as departmental Lab Council meetings
• Tracking, ordering, and organization of laboratory supplies
• General management of the laboratory's mouse colony

Education
Required: Bachelor's degree, major course work in one of the basic sciences.

Experience
Required: No 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