Summary

The Patient-derived Xenograft Core is an Advanced Technology Core Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine which provides the resources necessary for laboratories to establish patient-derived tumor models in animals.  This position will provide responsible and skilled technical assistance in support of research projects by performing animal handling techniques and procedures related to the creation, maintenance, and preclinical testing of PDX models.  

Please visit https://www.bcm.edu/research/atc-core-labs/patient-derived-xenograft-core to learn more about us.

Job Duties

• 50% Maintain PDX Models and Perform Preclinical Studies
  • Inventory animal colony and determine weekly research needs (use of PDX tumors.
  • Perform blood collection, surgical procedures, caliper measurements, and other manipulations on rodents.
  • Administer treatments to rodents by oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection, tail vein injection, or subcutaneous injection.
  • Critically evaluate study design prior to implementation and analyze collected data prior to finalizing reports.
•  20% Manage PDX Inventory
  • Prepares and conducts laboratory research experiments for research labs utilizing PDX models. 
  • Collects, compiles, and critically analyzes PDX research data utilizing database programs.
  • Characterize PDX models by immunohistochemistry, short tandem repeat assays, and growth characteristics.
  • Fulfill orders for PDX related tissue entered into iLab by identifying appropriate specimen, packaging specimen for shipping, and billing researchers once the request is complete.
• 20% Sample Preparation for Downstream Assays
  • Become proficient in nucleic acid and protein extraction, cell culture techniques, flow cytometry, PCR, and other molecular biology techniques.
  • Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study. 
• 10% Assist with Core Operations
  • Participate in managing customer requests and designing experiments.
  • Assist Project Manager with billing and end-of-year reporting.
  • Oversees the maintenance of lab equipment and environment.
  • Performs other job related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Requires the ability to complete procedures and properly record results.
• Must have excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Animal handling experience is necessary for this position, preferably small animal.
• Familiar with microscopy.
• Familiar with common molecular biology techniques.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Responds promptly and accurately to customers' inquiries and requests for information and coordinates appropriate follow-up.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and GraphPad software.
• Must be fluent in verbal and written English.