Research Assistant Ii - Immunology

The Immunology department at MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks to determine the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of a wide range of processes by which the body recognizes and eliminates pathogens and use these findings to unleash the patient's own immune system against previously treatment-resistant cancers. Treating the immune system rather than the cancer itself, the therapeutics developed are applicable to many cancers.
Work in the department spans multiple components of the immune system, ranging from the innate immune response, by which the body recognizes defined components of common pathogens and initiates a response, to the specialized and highly regulated adaptive immune response, comprised of T cell and B cell responses. The combination of treatments that work on multiple aspects of the immune system maximizes the potential to eliminate the most treatment-resistant cancers.
KEY FUNCTIONS
Laboratory Work
Tissue Processing

• Dissection of tissues from animals, use a variety of mechanical and enzymatic approaches to isolate single cell suspensions for downstream assays
• Optimization of tissue dissociation conditions to optimize cell yield and viability and minimize perturbation to cell state

Flow Cytometric Analysis

• Staining of cells with antibodies and other reagents for multiparametric flow cytometry including validation and titration of reagents and compensation
• Collection of data and sorting of cells on a variety of flow cytometers
• Analysis of data

Single-Cell Transcriptomics

• Preparation of single cell suspension for single cell RNA Sequencing experiments using a variety of commercial workflows
• Modification/optimization of workflows for custom in-house assay
• Preparation of sequencing libraries

Immunofluorescence Imaging

• Prepare dissected tissues for preservation and banking
• Generate tissue sections, and stain them with antibodies or nucleotide probes which includes validation of staining reagents and protocols
• Acquire images using a variety of imaging platforms
• Perform basic QC and quantification of images

General Skills

• Attention to detail and careful planning of experimental procedures is a must
• Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot is a must
• Must be able to take detailed notes and of experimental conditions and procedures in a format that is readily accessible to others
• Data, both raw and processed, must be similarly organized

Laboratory Organization

• Upkeep of laboratory consumable stocks to ensure consistent availability of reagents and consumables for experiments in the lab
• Input of lab orders in timely fashion
• Receiving packages and ensuring materials are stored properly and in an organized fashion with inventory tracking
• Maintenance of equipment: arranging for equipment servicing to ensure proper and uninterrupted function of the lab
• Adhere to lab and institutional policies surrounding biosafety and ethical use of animals.
• Read and follow the appropriate IBC and ACUF protocols related to the project.

Working in a Team Setting

• Communication
  • Communicate results effectively to and understand instruction from the supervisor and coworkers
  • Clear and accurate communication both face to face and over phone/teleconferencing required
  • Positive and productive team cooperate with other lab members is essential
  Communicate effectively with those outside of the lab including collaborators, vendors, and core facility personnel.
  

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.
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: 165843
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Day/Evening, Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 43,500
• 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

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