Research Assistant II Mouse handling Job Houston area,Texas USA,Research/Development

The role of our Research Assistant II is to assist lead research investigators to study tumor invasion, metastasis, immunotherapy responses, and resistance niches in novel in vitro and in vivo models of cancer and bone metastasis. They must proactively and independently contribute to primary research projects and develop and apply advanced techniques and procedures. They further must contribute to the maintenance and operation of the research lab.

All applicants should possess intrinsic curiosity and interest in developing new models of cancer disease.

The ideal candidate is an intrinsically curious and highly skilled research professional who can independently execute complex in vitro and in vivo studies, manage large transgenic mouse colonies, apply advanced molecular and imaging techniques, and effectively communicate and collaborate within a dynamic cancer research laboratory.

What We Offer ?

Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Key Functions:

Independently performs and assists in both in vitro and in vivo animal work. Critical part of the work is to maintain and document a pristine transgenic mouse colony. Knowledge in the following procedures are required:

Animal handling, surgery, tumor implantation and treatment, and tissue/organ isolation and preservation. Organization of a transgenic mouse colony (300‑500 cages)
Preclinical imaging (e.g. micro

CT, MRI)
Flow cytometry (FACS)
Advanced tissue clearing and staining techniques for hard and soft tissues (e.g. skin and bone)
Immunofluorescence multiphoton and epifluorescence microscopy
Intermediate image analysis (Fiji/Image

J or other) skills
Cell/tissue culture of primary cells (e.g. stem cells) and cancer cell lines.
Recombinant DNA technology (cloning, DNA, RNA purification) and molecular biology (lentivirus production, lentiviral transductions)
Generation of genetically modified cell lines and cryostorage
Histological procedures (Fixation, Slicing, Staining, Sample storage)
Biochemistry (immunoblotting, co‑immunoprecipitation, protein purification)

Communicate information:

Must be able to communicate results to and understand instructions from project leader, supervisor and principal investigator.
Clear and accurate communication in English both face‑to‑face and over the telephone/Skype is required.
Provide oral progress reports in an organized, consistent manner using scientific slides.
A willingness to cooperate with other staff, students, fellows and visitors is essential.
A willingness to train and instruct staff, students, fellows and visitors.

Acquire and develop new techniques:

Must possess flexibility and have the ability to learn and establish novel techniques and protocols for new research lines.
Independently reads and understands scientific literature for application to ongoing research.

Laboratory duties:

Manage, record, update inventories (digital and written databases).
Order material for the laboratory in a timely fashion.
Work with other lab members to ensure the consistent flow of work, necessary materials and reagents.
Perform laboratory tasks assigned by supervisor/lab manager.
Collaborate and conduct experiments/work on other lab projects when necessary.
For incoming packages: ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify relevant lab personnel/principal investigator.

Computer literacy:

Must be able to learn and use software related to data acquisition, image analysis and presentation.

Other duties as assigned.

Education

Required:

Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
Preferred:
Master's Degree Basic Science or Medical Degree.

Experience

Required:

One year scientific or experimental research work experience. No…


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