Research Assistant II - Cancer Biology

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of biology, genetics and other biomedical or related basic science areas.Dr. Gottlieb's research group combines metabolomics and genetic approaches to identify metabolic pathways essential for disease progression with the aim of developing novel therapeutic strategies. One of the main research approaches is tracing specific nutrients in vitro and in vivo to discover how the disease changes their metabolic fate. We perform in-depth mechanistic analyses in preclinical models and translate the acquired knowledge into clinically relevant insights.We are looking for a research-driven new team member who will support our research projects by conducting experiments with animal models and primary cell culture. We will provide training and support for the new techniques.Skills include independently perform animal studies including but not limited to the following technical skills: IP injections, oral gavage drug delivery, sample preparations for sequencing or other pathological analyses, histology, subcutaneous cell injections, tracheal intubations, anatomical measurements, survival surgical procedures, tissue harvesting and processing, as well as genotyping, breeding, and maintain mouse colonies. Proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques and tissue cell culture.CANCER BIOLOGY (https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/departments-divisions/cancer-biology.html)KEY FUNCTIONSLab and Animal Studies

Exercises considerable imagination, initiative and inventiveness in planning and executing the details of experiments/studies and in evaluating and interpreting the results.

Perform standard animal procedures (injections, oral gavage, blood sampling, weight monitoring, tumor size measurement, etc.).

Surgical procedures (tissue or cell implantation, liver perfusion, vein infusions, etc.). Participates in adopting new techniques and learning new skills to enhance research efforts.

Performing laboratory studies using complex techniques including flow cytometry, tissue culture (maintaining mammalian cells, growth assays, drug response assays, transfection and viral infection), nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry.

Maintenance of cell lines, metabolite extraction, and basic molecular biology techniques are an advantage (DNA, RNA, proteins, PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry)

Performing animal studies including in utero lentiviral injection, grafting, surgeries, genotyping, injecting tumor cells, monitoring and recording progress of experiments, dosing animals with drugs, animal imaging, necropsy, preparation of tissue samples for histological processing.

Animals include rats as well as "nude" and conventional mice.

Techniques and Records

Responsible for major participation in the development and revision of techniques, assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment.

Orders and organizes supplies for the laboratory.

Performs regular monitoring of safety standards in the laboratory, maintains records of hazardous materials.

Reports and Grants

Collaborates or assists with supervisor and senior research staff with preparation of reports and grant requests.

Laboratory Organization and Monitoring

Orders and organizes supplies for the laboratory.

Performs regular monitoring of safety standards in the laboratory, maintains records of hazardous materials.

Other duties as assigned.

EducationRequired: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.ExperienceRequired: One year experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.Preferred: Mouse handling 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.htmlAdditional Information

Requisition ID: 170247

Employment Status: Full-Time

Employee Status: Regular

Work Week: Days

Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 44,000

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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