Research Assistant II Next Generation Sequencing

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to provide technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects for the Microbiome Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) developing core facility under the Directorship of Samuel Shelburne, MD. We are seeking a highly motivated enthusiastic person to help a primary investigator/clinician in a new core facility designed to address an unmet need in the institution with numerous opportunities to learn cutting-edge cancer research and carry out various research projects and assist in managing clinical specimens, clinical data, as well as animal experiments.

• The ideal candidate will have experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) is highly preferred**
  
  

Key Functions

• Work in both clinical and research settings, processing patient and mouse fecal and tissue samples in an anaerobic chamber or fume hood for microbiome assays.
• Isolate DNA and RNA from human and animal-derived samples. Perform PCR, qPCR, and Qubit assays for nucleic acid quantification, as well as library preparation and next-generation sequencing.
• Assist with stool sample collections, R&D testing, microbiology work, molecular-based assays, and tissue cell culture techniques.
• Document experimental results accurately, maintaining clear laboratory records in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in training as needed and support shared tools and data sets.
• Collaborate with research scientists, trainees (including medical oncology fellows), and clinicians for patient-based sample acquisition, processing, and analysis as part of a dynamic translational research team.
• Assist in general laboratory operations, ensuring the lab is prepared for experiments and performing routine maintenance, such as cleaning and maintaining equipment.
• Provide basic laboratory technique instruction to staff and students as needed.
• Monitor and stock laboratory supplies, prepare stock solutions and reagents, and manage centralized supply orders. Anticipate laboratory needs regarding equipment and supplies.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and present progress reports to colleagues.
• Follow safe laboratory practices and perform other duties as required.
• Interacts and collaborates regularly with the Platform for Innovative Microbiome and Translational Research (PRIME-TR) to ensure efficiency of all supported projects and equipment.
  
  

Work Closely With Other Staff Members

• Maintain good working relationship with other researchers and technicians
• Develop skills and facilitate other personnel in sequencing techniques while maintaining internal databases.
  
  

Ideal Candidate

• Will have experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) is highly preferred.
  
  

Must be highly motivated, reliable, responsible, well organized and a careful record keeper with good attention to details.

Excellent communication skills are required as well as the ability to work well in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.

Working Conditions

This Position Requires

Working in Office Environment

______ No

___X__ Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

_____ No

___x___ Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

_____ No

___x___ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

_____ No

___x___ Yes

Exposure to radiation

_____ No

___x___ Yes

Exposure to animals

_____ No

___x___ 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 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: Experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) is highly preferred.

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: 173332
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 44,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 54,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 65,500
• 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