Research Asst I Genitourinary Medical Oncology - Research

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to perform basic research functions in the field of prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma, with a focus on how host cardiometabolic health, body composition, genomics, and the androgen receptor interact to impact treatment outcomes. The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas: digital pathology/image analysis (such as Visiopharm or similar platforms), Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and next-generation sequencing applications including RNA-seq or single-cell RNA-seq. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly learn new laboratory techniques. Training will be provided for areas where experience is limited, including animal research techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to quickly learn new laboratory techniques.
• Good reading (English) and writing skills.
• Ability to communicate results to principal investigators (PIs) and collaborators.
• Well-developed esprit de corps and willingness to cooperate with all principals.
• Ability to resolve technical problems as they emerge in consultation with PIs.
• Good sterile technique.
• Manipulation of viable cells.
• Precaution against blood-borne pathogens when using human-derived cells.
• Demonstrate and practice laboratory safety precautions.
• Accurate recording of use and disposal of all radioactive materials.
• Maintenance and analysis of various viable (human and mouse) cell lines.
• Use of single and multichannel pipettors.
• Fine finger dexterity.
• Strong command of the English language, including spelling, writing, and the ability to clearly and accurately communicate verbally in English both face-to-face and over the phone.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in digital pathology/image analysis (such as Visiopharm or similar platforms).
• Experience in Western blotting.
• Experience in immunofluorescence.
• Experience in next-generation sequencing applications including RNA-seq or single-cell RNA-seq.
• Editing experience in scientific writing.
• Skills in using Visiopharm and QuPath.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in immunohistochemistry.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in immunofluorescence staining.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in ELISA assays.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in western blot analysis.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in immunoprecipitation.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in gene knockdown/knockout.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in transfection/transduction of mammalian /bacterial cells.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in proliferation/apoptosis study.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in gene expression library construction.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in RT-PCR.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in gel electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in mammalian cell culture.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in cryopreservation of cells.
• Sound working knowledge and troubleshooting skills in preparation of DNA, RNA, and protein from cells, blood, tissues, and FFPE slides for next-generation sequencing, microarray, methylation array, and protein array analyses.
• Experience in animal experiments including testing the efficacy and mechanisms of action of specific anti-cancer agents in vivo according to IACUC-approved animal protocols.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and carry out research experiments, discussing goals with supervisors and receiving detailed instructions.
• Ask questions of supervisors and laboratory personnel to clarify information needed for experiments.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment based on verbal and/or written instructions.
• Communicate with vendors and other laboratory personnel to obtain technical information.
• Develop step-by-step written procedures for conducting experiments.
• Exercise initiative and inventiveness in planning, executing, and interpreting data.
• Communicate results to principal investigators (PIs) and collaborators.
• Cooperate with all principals and resolve technical problems related to experimental design and technique in consultation with PIs.
• Maintain detailed, legible handwritten records of all experiments performed.
• Perform analysis of histopathological data, including IHC, IF and demultiplex-IF on human and mouse tissues.
• Help with animal breeding, tagging, weaning, genotyping, tissue harvesting, and downstream processing and analysis.
• Be responsible for animal care, organization of colonies, xenograft and orthotopic tumor models, manipulation of mice (injections, gavage treatments, bleeds), euthanasia, necropsy, and other animal-related work.
• Generate and analyze data for presentations and publications.
• Order laboratory supplies, including community reagents and chemicals.
• Assist in the assembly, operation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines, using good sterile techniques.
• Observe and identify cell changes under the microscope, determine cell counts, perform colony counts, and determine cell viability.
• Prepare sterile media and solutions.
• Prepare cells for cryogenic storage and re-establishment.
• Practice laboratory safety precautions, including handling, storing, and disposing of radioactive isotopes, chemically hazardous materials, and biohazardous materials according to safety guidelines.
• Record use and disposal of all radioactive materials.
• Maintain and analyze various viable (human and mouse) cell lines.
• Perform tests for mycoplasma contamination.
• Use single and multichannel pipettors, requiring fine finger dexterity.
• Guide, teach, supervise, and assist students, collaborators, and laboratory members to accomplish research.
• Clearly and accurately communicate verbally in English, both face-to-face and over the phone.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week
• Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank
• Paid holidays
• Wellness, childcare, and other leave options
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System
• Voluntary retirement plans
• Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs
• Medical
• Dental
• Paid time off
• Retirement
• Tuition benefits
• Educational opportunities
• Individual and team recognition

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level