Research Investigator Genomic Medicine - Houston, United States - MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD Anderson Cancer Center
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Verified Company
Houston, United States

3 weeks ago

Mark Lane

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Mark Lane

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Description
The Johnston Laboratory 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.


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 timeoff 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 recordkeeping 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 recordkeeping 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 o
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