Full Job Description
The primary purpose of the Senior Research Assistant position is to provide technical assistance in carrying out various research projects. These projects require complex sample preparation of a variety of human samples such as plasma, serum, and cells, using a variety of technological platforms.
WORK ACTIVITIES:
Research Design, Planning, Coordination & Evaluation:
Executes assays, evaluates, and interprets results for cancer research projects including but not limited to cell culture and transfection, Western blotting, RT-PCR analysis, and flow cytometry.
Performs and assists in animal experiments (mouse, breeding, weening, bleeding, tissue harvesting, injections, downstream processing and analysis). Performs animal maintenance (safety protocols and standards, record keeping of animal inventory).
Assists faculty and other research scientists in developing and validating standard operating protocols (SOPs).
Tests plasma, cell lines, and tumor samples following validated SOPs.
Maintains clear record of all experimental work performed in laboratory notebooks and completes all documentation with clear and accurate language, according to the SOP's in place.
Compiles, reviews, writes reports, and presents in working group meetings.
Prepares stock solutions and buffers orders necessary reagents, laboratory supplies for future experiments in a timely manner.
Provides supervision and assists technicians as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Communication and Team Work:
Asks critical and insightful questions to drive decision making and persuasively conveying solutions to a broad range of team members.
Coordinates and communicates with faculty, laboratory scientists, clinical researchers, and field experts extensively and understands their needs and contributes to the study designs of ongoing projects.
Works closely in a multidisciplinary team with scientists, clinicians, and biostatisticians to execute the assays as required for research projects.
MARGINAL Functions
Other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
IC – Analytical Thinking:
Gather relevant information systematically;
Break down problems into simple components; and
Make sound decisions.
Attention to details
IC – Build Relationships:
Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; and
Show sincere interest in others and their concerns.
IC – Innovative Thinking:
Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; and
Offer new ideas, solutions and/or options.
Working Conditions
Must be able to work evenings, weekends, as needed. Requires the ability to adapt to changing conditions in situations and priorities that may be characterized by high stress levels, such as project deadlines. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, budget and prioritize time and workload, address spontaneous issues and problems, resolve conflicts, and make decisions. The position also requires one to anticipate needs, to recognize situations requiring assistance and have the ability to refer or perform any necessary tasks, and to comprehend the goals of the program and take the initiative in making decisions and taking actions to further these goals.
This position requires:
Working in Office Environment
___X__ No
______ Yes
Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)
___X__ No
______ Yes
Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues
______ No
___X__ Yes
Exposure to harmful chemicals
______ No
___X__ Yes
Exposure to radiation
___X__No
______ Yes
Exposure to animals
___X_ No
______ Yes
Physical Demands
Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:
Time Spent
Never
0%
Occasionally
1-33%
Frequently
34-66%
Continuously
67-100%
Standing
X
Walking
X
Sitting
X
Reaching
X
Lifting/Carrying
Up to 10 lbs
X
10lbs to 50 lbs
X
More than 50 lbs
X
Pushing/Pulling
Up to 10 lbs
X
10lbs to 50 lbs
X
More than 50 lbs
X
Use computer/keyboard
X
EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.
Preferred: Masters of Science immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, or related scientific discipline.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Three years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, one year of required experience.
Preferred: Experience with human biological samples (plasma) and animal models is preferred. Experience with cell culture.
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: 136177
Employment Status: Full-Time
Employee Status: Regular
FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
Work Week: Day/Evening
Fund Type: Soft
Pivotal Position: Yes
Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 39,200
Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 49,000
Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 58,800
Science Jobs: Yes
