Research Assistant I – Surgical Oncology

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.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I is to provide technical assistance in carrying out various research projects in the Surgical Oncology lab.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Research Experiments: Assists principal investigator/ Research scientist in the execution of research experiments: Performs animal cell culture, basic molecular biology experiments (PCR, western blots), Processes and catalogs mouse/ human samples as needed. Assist with mouse experiments as needed.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Records and evaluated data in accordance with the methods requested. Reviews goals of each project and strategy for attaining the goals with supervisor before start of experiment in a clear and concise manner. Reads literature and confers with superiors regarding new procedures and modifies them according to the needs of the project. Validates quality of data elements/data editing. Assists with preparation of research manuscripts and research presentations.

General Laboratory Management: Oversees the daily lab functions: supplies, ordering, general equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Maintains a well-organized lab for optimal workflow. Communicates with the PI and/or the lab manager to resolve any potential lab safety issues. Constructs, assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment.

Other duties as assigned

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree, major course work in one of the basic sciences.

Required Experience:

No experience is required.

Preferred Experience/Skills:

Wet-lab experience in life science techniques such as animal tissue culture, flow cytometry, histology, basic molecular biology techniques. Experience in processing/ cataloguing clinical biospecimen, experience functioning independently or on a team, time management skills, excellent communication skills across multiple teams, basic understanding of the biology and pathophysiology of Sarcoma is a plus.

Work Schedule:

100% onsite. Some travel between north and south campuses.

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