The primary purpose of the Research Scientist position is to conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of molecular and cell biology as well as in vivo studies to investigate the role of tRNA deregulation in normal blood development and leukemic transformation. Working with mice is a must. The lab focus is to study tRNA expression and epitranscriptomic regulation of gene expression in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. We recently identified altered tRNA biogenesis as an indicator of tumor specific amino acid demand for protein synthesis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04244-1). The candidate will also be responsible for ordering chemicals and reagents for the lab, lab organization and day to day functioning of the laboratory.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Laboratory Organization and Maintenance:

Orders and organizes supplies for the laboratory. Manage and maintain protocols within the lab, including IACUC and IBC. Maintain lab work area and lab equipment, monitoring it daily to ensure the lab operates safely, is clean, and all equipment is in good working order; understands correct operation of all lab equipment, and follows written instructions/operations manual. Prepares sterile media and solutions. Ability to work with little direct oversight. Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

Animal work and maintenance:

Will carry out experiments involving animals, and animal or human tissues, in accord with appropriate institutional and regulatory guidelines. Will inject tumor cells into mice, and administer drug to animals by ip injection, iv injection, or oral gavage. Will have knowledge of safety concerns when working with animal/human tissues. Manage rodent breeding colonies including mating breeders, checking pregnancy, recording litters, monitoring pups development, identifying pups for genotyping, and weaning. Collect tissues for hematology and genotyping assays. Support in vivo experiments as per project protocols. Report animal status and issues. Can train new members of the laboratory in animal techniques. Responsible for maintaining laboratory animals and maintaining up-to-date animal inventory.

Molecular Biology techniques :

Assist in standard laboratory techniques (maintaining mammalian cells, growth assays, drug response assays, transfection and viral infection), nucleic acid extraction, PCR analyses, immunoblotting. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Required: Masters degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Four years of experience in experimental or scientific work. With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.

Preferred: Animal work and maintenance. Molecular Biology techniques.

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: 173401

• Employment Status: Full-Time

• Employee Status: Regular

• Work Week: Days

• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 68,500

• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 85,500

• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 102,500

• 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

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