Research Assistant II / Cancer Systems Imaging

MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in cancer care is seeking a dedicated research assistant to support innovative projects aimed at eliminating cancer. This role involves performing critical laboratory techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, tissue culture, and animal experimentation. The ideal candidate will thrive in a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating with experts in oncology and computational sciences. With a focus on research and development, you will play a vital role in advancing cancer treatment through rigorous data collection and analysis. Join a mission-driven team where your contributions will directly impact patient care and research outcomes.

Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in scientific or experimental research work in artificial intelligence.
• Excellent tissue culture technique and ability to maintain cell lines.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical laboratory duties for research projects.
• Maintain and store cell lines under sterile conditions.
• Assist with animal experiments and maintain records.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR

protein analysis

tissue culture

animal experimentation

flow cytometry

immunoblotting

Education

Bachelor's degree in computational sciences

Master's degree in computational sciences

Tools

microscopy methods

PACS systems

HER systems

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is ranked the nation’s top hospital for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals.” MD Anderson’s mission is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation and the world through exceptional programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention.


MISSION STATEMENT

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


Provides technical assistance in carrying out various research projects.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES


Research Support

Perform technical laboratory duties to supply information as part of a research project or laboratory. Perform duties in accordance with general and/or specific plans. Assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Record and evaluate data obtained, in accordance with methods requested. Execute analytical benchtop work involving DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, PCR, protein analysis, tumor cell line culture, lentiviral production, stable cell transduction, and radioisotope cell uptake assays, animal experimentation (cell injection, surgery, tissue harvest, and bioluminescence, MRI and positron emission tomography imaging).

Tissue Culture: Must have excellent tissue culture technique and be able to maintain and store cell lines under sterile and healthy conditions. Candidate should follow ATCC guideline for cell culture and cryogenic storage. Will be responsible for maintaining cell culture supplies. Candidate must have the ability to observe and identify cell changes under the microscope, determine cell counts and cell viability. Utilize aseptic techniques and biosafety measures in experimental work. Perform various cell assays including mycoplasma testing, viability, proliferation, and differentiation assays.

Animals: The candidate should possess the skills to perform oral gavages, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections, subcutaneous injections, tail vein catheterizations, and necropsy procedures. They should also demonstrate the ability to undergo training and certification to handle and work with live animals, primarily rats, in accordance with institutional guidelines ensuring safety and humane treatment. Responsibilities would include animal maintenance, monitoring animal health and welfare, euthanizing animals when necessary, and collecting tissue samples once endpoint criteria are met.

Additionally, the candidate would assist fellow laboratory personnel with animal experiments such as imaging and surgeries, store and analyze animal tissue, and maintain records of ongoing data for future experiments. Experience in basic animal surgeries is required.

Basic Techniques: Molecular biology and cancer biology. Candidate will extract metabolites from tissue and cell culture and generate experimental samples for analysis

They will perform small tissue grossing, processing, embedding, microtomy, immunohistological staining, and cover-slipping. Additionally, they will optimize standard SOPs for staining, clearing, and imaging of various tissue types and/or immunological markers. The candidate will utilize cutting-edge fluorescent, confocal, and light sheet microscopy methods to image slides and whole tissues. Communication of results to the principal investigator and participation in group presentations of these data, as well as promotion of ongoing projects in the laboratory, will be expected. They will also assist with compiling data for presentation or publication. Experience in flow cytometry and immunoblotting (Western) is considered a positive attribute. Perform other laboratory duties as requested.




Laboratory Organization

Assist with general lab functions such as organizes and restocks common supplies, receives and distributes orders, orders lab supplies and tracks orders, disposes biohazard boxes and cleans tissue culture media waste flasks, prepares autoclave items and maintains glassware. Ensure inventory of gas cylinders such as O2 and CO2 for the imaging suite. Perform routine maintenance of ultra low freezers, liquid nitrogen, C02 and water levels. Should be able to maintain equipment such as high-speed centrifuges, pH meters and microfuges. Manually operate and maintain the lab equipment. Must be able to comply with all institutional safety policies including Universal Precautions and OSHA standards when handling toxic, hazardous, flammable, radioactive or potentially infectious or carcinogenic materials. Candidate may be required to wear common protective garments or equipment such as gloves, eye protection, face mask, gown or lab coat, etc. Cleans laboratory benches as required. Share in general maintenance of laboratory including monitoring radioisotopes, aliquot reagents and preparation of common solutions



Technical Assistance

Apply basic background in science to the application of laboratory techniques, using judgment, analysis and evaluation. Read literature and confer with superiors regarding new procedures. Master essential skills and techniques used in the laboratory. Develop new and novel procedures for carrying out assigned research by reading literature and conferring with peers and superiors; implement these new procedures. Recordkeeping and data collection required on all experimental protocols performed.

REQUIREMENTS


Education Required: Bachelor’s degree with major course work in one of the computational sciences.
Preferred Education: Master’s degree with major course work in one of the computational sciences.

Certification Required: None
Preferred Certification: None


Experience Required: One year of experience in scientific or experimental research work in artificial intelligence, imaging review, computational science and/or database development/management/QC. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred Experience: Experience with working in a multidisciplinary environment of oncology, radiology, and data science. Experience with PACS and HER systems.

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: 174644
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 45,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 56,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 68,000
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
• Science Jobs: No