Research Assistant I - Cancer Biology (Depinho Laboratory)

Welcome to MD Anderson's Cancer Biology department. Our department has a long history of being a leader in the field of basic and translational cancer biology research. The department emphasizes the training of students, postdoctoral fellows and clinical fellows in the fundamentals of tumor biology to improve the outcomes of patients with malignancies. The department has built a program with close ties to many clinical departments to facilitate information exchange between the laboratory and the clinic. As such, faculty in the department are investigators on NIH funded collaborative cancer biology research. In addition, there are several physician-scientists who have joint appointments in Cancer Biology, facilitating the exchange of clinically-relevant information between the laboratory and the clinic.
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to carry out specific experiments designed to improve the functional understanding of processes involved in colon and pancreatic carcinogenesis. This may include the implementation of experiments as they relate to samples obtained from genetically engineered mouse models (cell lines, tissues), isolation of 2D, 3D/organoid cell lines, functional in vitro and in vivo assays.
DePinho Laboratory
Key Functions
Laboratory Technical Function

• Performs subcutaneous mouse tumor volume measurements, MRI volume calculations of internal tumors, mouse necropsy and tumor dissections.
• Maintains and culture cancer cell lines using sterile technique.
• Performs validation, optimization, and troubleshooting of PCR and western blot protocols, and CRISPR knockouts.
• Performs a broad range of cell and molecular assays involving molecular biology and biochemistry of DNA, RNA and protein, including immunohistochemistry, western blot, flow cytometry and PCR.
• Extract protein lysates, DNA and RNA from cultured cells.

Mouse Colony Management

• Assumes shared responsibility for performing mouse genotyping.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Observing procedures and protocols to ensure the quality and integrity of procedures performed
• Assumes shared responsibility for general laboratory maintenance by:
• Monitoring supplies and stock solutions to help maintain an ample stock of supplies on hand
• Other duties as assigned.
• Maintaining an excellent working knowledge of all basic laboratory equipment and apparatus to ensure lab equipment is maintained in good operating order

Education
Required: Bachelor's degree, major course work in one of the basic sciences.
Experience
Required: No experience.
Preferred: Willing to work with mice.
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