Description

If you are passionate about cutting-edge cancer research, join the Denicourt Lab at UTHealth Houston, where we are pioneering studies on RNA modifications and their role in translational reprogramming in cancer. Our lab is dedicated to uncovering the molecular mechanisms by which dysregulation in RNA modifications drives tumorigenesis.

About the Position: We are seeking enthusiastic and curiosity-driven candidates to join our dynamic team. The Denicourt Lab focuses on dissecting the roles of tRNA and rRNA modifying enzymes that are deregulated in cancer. Our research aims to elucidate how these enzymes and the modifications they catalyze influence mRNA translation programs and contribute to cancer progression. The positions offer a unique opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that have the potential to uncover novel therapeutic targets.

Under supervision of senior research staff, the candidate will conduct activities to support different research projects, participate in discussion of results and analysis of data. Experiments will involve: 1. General mammalian cell and tissue culture. Maintenance of tissue culture room and set up. Preparation of sterile solutions and materials. 2. Molecular Biology Techniques: DNA restriction analysis, cloning, and extractions. PCR analysis and genotyping of transgenic animals. Protein extraction, co-immunoprecipitations and Western Blotting. Immunofluorescence. RNA isolation, Norther Blots and qPCR analysis. Purification of recombinant proteins from bacterial culture. 3. Prepare reagents and buffers for biochemistry experiments.

Research experience and knowledge in the fields of cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry is strongly preferred.

Experience with rodent animal models and tissue culture techniques highly desirable, but not required.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas' resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That's where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It's because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you'd expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time - all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you'll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees' wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary:

Under close direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects.

Position Key Accountabilities:

Under close supervision, conducts research activities according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following: patient recruiting and screening, traditional laboratory experiments and activities, informatics, field interviewer recruiting, screening and training and/or animal laboratories.

May maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

Collects, evaluates, and interprets research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates notebooks, records, and databases as needed.

Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department.

Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff.

As needed, may coordinate the work of laboratory technicians and assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results.

Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

Oversee equipment maintenance. Insure adequate supplies for experimental needs. Manage lab safety programs to insure compliance with all applicable regulations. Assist in laboratory space and facilities planning; order laboratory supplies and reagents; maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents.

Certification/Skills:

General knowledge of research fields.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree or relevant experience in lieu of education.

Minimum Experience:

Research Assistant I - No years of experience. Research Assistant II - One year of related experience in a research or clinical lab environment.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds constantly and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive agents.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.