MD Anderson Cancer Center Jobs

The Johnston Laboratory (https://johnstonlaboratory.com/) is an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team of microbiologists, synthetic biologists, bioinformaticians and engineers. The long-term goal of our research is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities of microbes/microbial communities within tumors, elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving their behavior, and utilize this knowledge to engineer innovative therapeutics and advanced microbe-based technologies for cancer prevention and treatment. To achieve this, we employ cutting-edge bacterial omics techniques (including pangenomics, pan-epigenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) to generate hypotheses centered on understanding how specific microbes migrate to, colonize, and persist within human tumors. We then utilize synthetic microbiology principles to develop genetic systems for these tumor-associated microbes, allowing us to experimentally test and refine our hypotheses using in-vitro and pre-clinical models of disease. Moreover, using knowledge gained, we aim to harness the innate abilities of microbes to access recalcitrant areas of the tumor microenvironment and engineer them as effective delivery vehicles for therapeutic payloads.

The primary purpose of the Research Investigator position is to apply technical expertise and experience to coordinate, design, and carry but cancer research projects while following lab standard operating procedures. We are seeking a well-organized, highly motivated professional to support the research in Dr. Christopher Johnston's Laboratory with extensive expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology (library preparation and associated analysis) and general microbiology (microbial culture/media preparation, nucleic acid isolation/manipulation) to join our cutting-edge microbial genomics/epigenomics efforts. The position is intended to provide support for our day-to-day sequencing projects and ongoing microbial technology developments, as well as supporting general laboratory responsibilities, workflow management and QC considerations for computational data both internally and with collaborators.

This individual will work with the PI and post-doctoral fellows using state-of-the-art sequencing technologies and innovative synthetic microbiology, genomics and informatics techniques in a highly collaborative, stimulating, and collegial research environment. This position will provide ample opportunities for professional development and the acquisition of cutting-edge skills in PacBio Single Molecule Real-time SMRT-Seq platforms, synthetic microbiology research, research planning and strategy, and data analysis and interpretation.

Key Functions

• Preparation of DNA libraries for NGS technologies and perform sequencing runs on PacBio SMRT sequel instrument.

• Responsible for supervision of Research Tech I-II personnel and laboratory support staff in the laboratory. This includes reviewing and approving time reports and time-off requests, completing performance evaluations with the PI, and assigning/managing workload for staff.

• Identify methodological problems in research protocols and implement modifications to optimize experimental results.

• Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for isolation and analysis of DNA and RNA from microbial specimens, including PCR, quantitative PCR, RT-PCR, and sequencing.

• Design and use of reagents for DNA cloning and genome engineering with CRISPR/Cas9 and transposon mutagenesis technologies.

• Prepare and present written and oral progress reports concerning studies including assembly, organization, and interpretation of data.

• Will work with supervisor and/or senior lab members in the design of experiments; will be responsible for the performance of individual research projects. Analyze data generated and modify techniques.

• Conduct literature reviews and background searches to assist in determining research methods.

• Conducts diligent record-keeping and reporting

• Responsible for the daily operations of the laboratory, including laboratory equipment, freezers, laboratory safety and training, and supplies management.

• Other research or organizational duties, as appropriate.

Specific duties may include:

• Methods development, testing and validation for Illumina/PacBio sequencing assays

• Preparation of DNA libraries for NGS technologies and perform sequencing runs on PacBio SMRT sequel instrument.

• Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for isolation and analysis of DNA and RNA from microbial specimens, including PCR, quantitative PCR, RT-PCR, and sequencing.

• Design and use of reagents for DNA cloning and genome engineering with CRISPR/Cas9 and transposon mutagenesis technologies.

• Conducts diligent record-keeping and reporting

• Maintenance of general lab supplies, consumables and equipment

• Ordering/cataloging of laboratories supplies and reagents

• Presenting findings at internal (Johnston Lab) meetings

• Other research or organizational duties, as appropriate.

Core Competencies:

IC - Coach & Develop:

• Assess strengths and development needs of employees;

• Provide challenging development opportunities; and

• Provide relevant, timely feedback; mentor others.

IC - Build Relationships:

• Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; and

• Show sincere interest in others and their concerns.

IC - Provide Direction:

• Provide clear direction and priorities toward a common vision;

• Clarify roles and responsibilities for employees; and

• Promote empowerment

Working Conditions

This position requires :

Yes

No

Working in Office Environment

X

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

X

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

X

Exposure to harmful chemicals

X

Exposure to radiation

X

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 in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in Biostatistics or related field.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Five years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, three years of required experience.

Preferred:

The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge and 3-5 years' experience with sequencing-based technologies (Illumina/PacBio/Oxford Nanopore) is required. Basic molecular biology and microbiology techniques, such as bacterial isolation and culture, PCR, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, cloning,

recombineering, is required.

• Experience in scientific programming/scripting for analysis of DNA/RNA sequencing data is required.

• Highly-motivated individual interested in a career in biological research or medicine, with a keen interest in sequencing-based technologies

• Technically meticulous when conducting experiments

• Highly organized in record-keeping

• Independent, intellectually passionate and able to display scientific initiative

• Excellent teamwork, time management and organizational skills

• Ability to work independently in a dynamic and results-oriented environment

• Ability to meet deadlines and multitask efficiently is a must

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: 167303

• Employment Status: Full-Time

• Employee Status: Regular

• Work Week: Days

• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 57,500

• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 72,000

• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 86,500

• 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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