Senior Research Assistant - Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Senior Research Assistant in the Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis. This role involves supervising lab technicians, executing experiments, and contributing to significant research aimed at understanding genome stability and its implications in cancer. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field and three years of related research experience.

Benefits

Referral bonus available

Relocation assistance available

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three years of experience in research work.
• Preferred lab management experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise technical personnel and oversee laboratory experiments.
• Evaluate and interpret experimental results.
• Assist in preparation of grant applications and progress reports.

Skills

Lab management operations

Independent evaluation

Judgment and analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural sciences or related field

Job description

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

Research Focus Areas
This position is open in the laboratory of Dr. Jean Gautier. Dr. Gautier studies the mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of genome stability. The laboratory employs various experimental approaches to elucidate the causes and the role of genome instability in cancer. Cell-free extracts derived from the egg of the frog Xenopus laevis are used as a simple model system to study processes that govern genome stability, including DNA replication control, DNA repair, and the cellular response to DNA damage. In addition, cultured normal and tumor cells and mouse models are exploited to analyze biological responses to DNA damage. The Gautier laboratory use a range of techniques including biochemistry, proteomics, live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, Hi-C and genome-wide translocation sequencing.

Key Functions

The primary purpose of the Senior Research Assistant position is to provide supervision, special training to technical personnel, and /or highly technical work in research projects. Performs a series of experiments designed to supply specific information as a part of a larger project; an answer to questions in a limited field; or, in development of improved techniques, production methods or procedures in the Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis.

Research Support

Perform research or experimental tasks to supply information as part of a research project or laboratory.

Responsible for planning and executing details of an experiment, including set up, timing (scheduled, staffed, planned), coordination of supplies and equipment at hand, functionality of equipment, trained personnel.

Evaluate and interpret experimental results. Assemble, operate and troubleshoot equipment.

Compile/prepare tables and charts.

Assist with preparation of grant applications and progress reports.

Expertise and Specialization

Apply background/experience in science, using independent evaluation, judgment and analysis.

Perform research or experimental tasks in a limited field (niche) or specialty area.

Master difficult, advanced, skills or technology.

Develop and revise protocols, procedures, and techniques.

Introduce/implement new technology.

Participate in troubleshooting and resolving problems.

Laboratory Organization

Supervise technicians and oversee their training.

May oversee educational appointees in their work and assist them as assigned or delegated.

Assess availability of supplies and advise/recommend purchasing as needed.

Contribute to the laboratory; assess need for back-up and cover as necessary; cross-train.

May have delegated signing authority on routine purchases.

Education

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

Experience

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

Preferred experience: Experience with Lab management operations and ability to conduct lab experiments.

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: 175011
• 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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