Research Assistant II - Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis (Mouse Handling)

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Job description

The Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis is an interdisciplinary, basic science research department that conducts groundbreaking research aimed at defining the mechanisms controlling normal cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival as well as mechanisms controlling genome maintenance to identify the aberrations in these processes that drive cancer.

Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis

The Aldaz laboratory studies the role of the Wwox gene in cancer and central nervous system pathologies, genetically engineered mouse models of human disease, plasma cell dyscrasias, determinants of early breast cancer progression and breast and lung chemoprevention.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Research Support

• Provide experimental and technical support for ongoing research projects.
• Perform duties in accordance with general and/or specific plans.
• Assists in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols.
• Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms.
• Preparation of tissues, cell cultures, blood samples, and perform other laboratory duties, such as the handling of laboratory animals.
• Assist in general laboratory operation, ensures the laboratory is prepared for experiments, performs related laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and cleaning equipment and assisting with monitoring and stocking supplies, preparation of stock solutions and other reagents.
• Collect and analyze data from experimental procedures and discuss results with the principal investigator.
• Document experimental results and maintain an organized laboratory notebook.
• Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.
• May instruct other staff and students in basic laboratory techniques.

Expertise and Specialization

• Apply basic background and experience in science to the application of laboratory techniques, using judgment, analysis and evaluation.
• Read literature and confer with superiors regarding new procedures, and modify them according to the needs of the project.
• Master complex skills and techniques used in the laboratory.
• Learn new skills or technology.

Laboratory Organization

• Coordinate procedures, assemble materials and contribute to the laboratory.
• Participate in ongoing learning and demonstrate application of it in carrying out assignments.
• Follow laboratory guidelines regarding order processing, handling of rush orders and special jobs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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: Two years experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.

Preferred: Tissue culture, mouse handling, breeding, and monitoring health, genotyping, and basic molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques is desirable.

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.

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