What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant II - Leukemia (Imaging) position at Leukemia (Imaging) - MD Anderson Cancer Center Careers?
MD Anderson Cancer Center is a global leader in the treatment of blood cancers. The Leukemia department is one of the most successful disease-specific cancer programs in the world, as well as one of the largest. As the largest medical academic department within the Cancer Medicine division, we have 29 clinical faculty and 20 research faculty. We have approximately 450 employees in the academic department, another 120 outpatient center employees and 150 inpatient employees all of whom support the leukemia research program. Our program sees over 2,000 new patients and 50,000 outpatient encounters each year, while maintaining an inpatient census over 120 patients per day.
KEY FUNCTIONS
Instrument Operation and Maintenance
• Must be familiar with principles of Imaging (Confocal, Fluorescent, Multipsectral). Must understand optics, and spectral properties of laser excitation, principles of fluorescent dye conjugation, and in consultation with supervisor be able to design optimal laser/dye combinations and the choice of excitation and emission filters.
• Must be able to learn to independently operate the microscopes. Experiment setup, instrument QC, laser alignment, routine maintenance, etc. Assist research personnel in use of instrumentation.
• Interact with institutional researchers to understand and assist with the execution of experimental goals. Excellent experimental trouble-shooting skills are desired; and thorough knowledge of cell preparation methodology is required.
• Operates, calibrates, maintains, and troubleshoots various microscopes (Confocal, Fluorescent, Multipspetral).
• Assists with experimental/protocol design.
• Incorporate a quality control program into the daily functions of the Facility. Review results and make recommendations for improvements when appropriate.
• Writes Standard Operating Procedures for all procedures being performed in the facility.
• Maintain daily work schedule to ensure that all work is completed in a timely manner.
Data Analysis Interaction
• Handles scheduling and all aspects of client interaction, supporting iLabs usage.
• Uses knowledge of various analysis software to assist client with data analysis and interpretation (Visiopharm, Imaris, InForm, Slidebook and/or academic or other commercial packages)
• Must be prepared to work with human and animal cells, human and animal blood products and tissues.
Lab Development Assistance
• Assists with experimental/protocol design.
• Supports daily function of the facility, including data and records management, inventory, ordering and logging of supplies and reagents, quality assurance, billing, training, safety and continuing education programs.
• Maintain the quality control program into the daily functions of the Facility. Review results, report and troubleshoot as necessary. Writes Standard Operating Procedures as needed in the facility. Attends laboratory and department meetings and in-services as required.
Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor'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: Familiar with principles of Imaging (Confocal, Fluorescent, Multipsectral).
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