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Research Assistant II - Dr. Karras's Lab (Genetics & Molecular Biology)

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.
The Genetics Department is a basic science department located in the George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Sciences Research Building at the world-renowned University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. The focus is on advancing knowledge of the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate normal and abnormal cellular processes. 
Cancer cells accumulate detrimental genetic mutations that perturb the function of important proteins they express. The Karras Laboratory investigates how protein-folding chaperones (a specialized suite of proteins that help mutant proteins to fold and function within cells) influence the accumulation and phenotypic manifestations of cancer mutations. This work aims to identify new targeting strategies for precision cancer medicine. We are looking for a Research Assistant II, who will make significant contributions towards achieving this goal. 
The Research Assistant II provides responsible technical assistance in support of research projects by completing assignments requiring a basic knowledge of fundamental techniques and practices related to a particular field of academics or research. The ideal candidate will have experience with mammalian cell cultures, flow cytometry, cellular assay, western blotting, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. Experience with yeast genetics and generating gene deletion strains preferred, but not required.

KEY FUNCTIONS
·        Assists principal investigator with scientific research projects focused on the role of protein-folding chaperones in shaping genotype-phenotype interactions.
·        Functions, under supervision, in the design and initiation of research experiments. These experiments include, but are not limited to, genetic engineering of yeast and cancer cell lines, assessment of cellular drug tolerance in culture, chemical genetics, cloning plasmid DNA libraries for high-throughput assays, RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, protein purification, proteomics, metabolomics, and other multi-omics approaches.
·        Performs bioinformatic analyses of next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing data to infer expression, gene copy number variation and perform de novo genome assembly.
·        Executes data integration pipelines and statistical analyses.
·        Assists in training and research work activity for assigned laboratory and research personnel.
·        Supervises general laboratory management including the assembly and use of laboratory equipment and implements safety procedures.
·        Assists with basic laboratory techniques and in preparation of media solutions, buffers and reagents.
·        Reads literature and confers with superiors regarding new procedures and modifies them according to the needs of the project.
·        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: One year experience in scientific or experimental research work. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred: 
  • mammalian cell culture
  • flow cytometry
  • cell viability assay
  • western blotting
  • CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing
  • yeast genetics focused (deleted genes)
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: 154577
  • Employment Status: Full-Time
  • Employee Status: Regular
  • Work Week: Days
  • Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 36,500
  • Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 45,500
  • Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 54,500
  • FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
  • Fund Type: Soft
  • Work Location: Onsite
  • Pivotal Position: Yes
  • Referral Bonus Available?: No
  • Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
  • Science Jobs: Yes