Cell Biology Senior Research Assistant

Genetic alterations are known cancer drivers, but not all patients harbor sufficient driver mutations to elicit the onset and progression of the disease. There also exist cancers such as pediatric tumors and several liquid cancers that carry very few genetic alterations, highlighting the contribution of non-genetic alterations to tumor formation. The Lee Laboratory investigates how RNA aberrations impact the development and progression of cancer. We employ cutting-edge sequencing to uncover errors hiding in RNA and use multidisciplinary approaches including cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and protein biology to determine the pathogenic role of altered RNAs in malignant transformation. We aim to provide novel strategies for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention.

We are looking to recruit a Senior Research Assistant to help achieve our goals. The primary responsibility is to coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out projects related to RNA processing using human cell model system.

Ideal candidate will have experience in cell biology, cell-based assays, flow cytometry, protein biology, microscopy skills, and data analysis

KEY FUNCTIONS

Laboratory studies

Conducts experiments and carries out lab projects independently. Techniques including but not limited to:

Molecular biology- Standard techniques such as cloning, DNA and RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization and complex techniques including RNA sequencing, CRISPR editing

Cellular biology- Cell culture, cell-based assays (growth, migration, colony formation and drug response assays), transfection, viral production and infection, flow cytometry

Protein biology- Western blot, protein immunoprecipitation, immunostaining, mass spectrometry-based assays

Microscopy skills- imaging and quantification

Data analysis- RNA sequencing analysis

Techniques in other related basic science areas.

Collaborates or assists with other lab members for experiments.

Helps train new/junior staffs and students with laboratory techniques

Requests and organizes patient specimens and patient-derived materials.

Requires excellent organization and time management skills and a willingness to learn new skills and techniques that are needed for the research projects.

Follows laboratory protocols and maintains accurate and detailed records of experimental data and protocols.

Presents at laboratory and departmental meetings as needed

Laboratory Organization and Monitoring

Orders and organizes laboratory supplies. Responsible for maintaining and updating inventory and stocks of laboratory general and hazardous materials.

Assists with manuscript preparation and grant application.

Helps with the update and renewal of laboratory IBC and IRB protocols.

Other duties as assigned.

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree

Experience

Required: Three years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, one year of required experience

Preferred: Experience in cell biology, cell-based assays, flow cytometry, protein biology, microscopy skills, and data analysis

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, paid time off , retirement , tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment..

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.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 175304
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 51,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 64,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 77,500
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
• Science Jobs: Yes

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