Research Assistant Ii - Radiation Physics - Research

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2018 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to provide technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects on in-vitro and in-vivo models. The research projects involve investigations in the role of radiation and DNA repair defects on immune response activation and radiosensitization. Particularly, the RAII will contribute to the discovery and translation of biological pathways to: 1) predict tumor response to radiation using DNA repair defects; and 2) activate the immune system using radiation in combination with DNA repair defects.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
In Vitro Laboratory Experiments:

• Maintain and establish culture of cells, which require rigorous sterile techniques.
• Observe and identify cell changes under the microscope, determine cell counts and cell viability.
• Prepare sterile media and solutions.
• Purify cells by various methods and monitor cells for proliferation and activation by standard laboratory methods.
• Monitor supplies, order and store tissue culture supplies to ensure efficient functioning.
• Perform laboratory duties including, but not limited to, cell culture, clonogenic cell survival assays, western blotting, immunostaining, drug treatments.
• Participate in shared lab tasks, including monitoring areas for cleanliness.
• Must keep an organized laboratory notebook and records.
• Must be able to perform basic analysis of experiments, including generation of figures.

Molecular and Cellular Biology

• RNA/DNA isolation and the PCR (endpoint and quantitative) technique.
• Protein isolation, immunoprecipitation, western-blot technique.
• Cell viability and proliferation assays.
• Cell clonogenic survival assay and cell irradiation technique.
• Application of flow cytometry for apoptosis, cell cycle analysis
• siRNA and shRNA knock-down experiments.
• Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry.
• Molecular cloning and mutagenesis techniques.

Record Keeping and Data Collection

• Maintain accurate, detailed records and experimental data and protocols.
• Prepare graphs, slides and tables via photography, computer, or manually.
• Develop a step-by-step written procedure outlining the specific actions required to conduct the experiment before proceeding.
• Read literature and confer with supervisor regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project.
• Able to work with image processing computer programs such as ImageJ.
• Communicates results to and understands instructions from principal investigators and colleagues.
• Fluent spoken and written English is essential
• Discusses goals of each project with supervisors. With help of supervisors, develops a step-by-step written procedure outlining the specific actions required to conduct the experiment before proceeding.
• Participates in lab meetings and presents data when necessary.

Laboratory Safety/Lab Equipment Maintenance

• Demonstrate and practice lab safety precautions.
• Receive verbal and/or written instructions from supervisor on standards and specialized lab safety procedures.
• Attend annual safety courses required by MDA and other agencies. Handle, store, and dispose of radioactive isotopes, chemically hazardous materials, and bio hazardous materials in procedure specified to meet MDA safety guidelines.
• Follow manufacturer's guidelines regarding the handling and maintenance of all lab equipment. Have working knowledge of equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals whenever necessary.
• Order reagents and materials when needed.
• Monitor work flow as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance, and preparing stock solutions
• Develop, record, and maintain a central repository of plasmids, bacteria, and adenovirus, using stocks developed by each lab member.
• Expand knowledge of ongoing techniques in the laboratory and enhance proficiency in planning, executing, and troubleshooting these techniques.
• Participate in adopting new techniques (both in vitro and in vivo ) while continuously increasing knowledge and skills to enhance lab research efforts.
• Maintain assertiveness and flexibility in approaching new techniques and responsibilities; utilize good work habits and time management.
• Maintain alertness and careful attention to avoid injury to self and others due to chemicals and hazardous materials in the laboratory.

Other duties as assigned
Education
Required: Bachelor'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: 166284
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: 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: No
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
• Science Jobs: Yes

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