Summary

The position will support ongoing immunotherapy research with the goal of developing novel T cell therapies for cancer with a focus on cancer in children. The position includes a translational research component that supports the development of new therapies and a clinical research element supporting Phase I/II clinical trials for pediatric and adult cancer patients. The position will be integrated within the larger Center for Cell and Gene Therapy which is a highly collaborative translational research center affiliated with Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine and Houston Methodist Hospital. Attendance at weekly educational seminars/lab meeting during standard work hours is generally expected. 

Job Duties

• Conducts and analyzes validation experiments to support Phase I/II clinical cell therapy trials for cancer.
• Conducts experiments to analyze cell and tissue samples of patients treated on Phase I/II clinical trials.
• Plans, conducts and analyzes experiments in the translational laboratory to develop novel cell therapy products - Relevant techniques include cell culture, transduction, transfection, ELISpot, ELISA, nanostring/RNAseq, flow cytometry, miniprep/maxiprep, basic cloning procedures.
• Documents results of experiments in electronic lab notebooks.
• Documents results of validation experiments according to clinical laboratory specifications.
• Provides assistance with animal work (mice only, less than 10% of total effort).
• Prepare data for presentation and present data at scheduled laboratory meetings (Omer Lab, Rooney lab and optional CAGT wide lab presentations).
• Collaborate with and assist other laboratory members on their translational projects including post-doctoral fellows and graduate students.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies.
   

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

• Experience in medical technology, chemical, biological, or physical science).
• Some experience with standard cell culture techniques is required for this position. Additional experience with flow cytometry, transfection, transduction, cloning techniques and/or ELISA is a bonus.
• Flow cytometry experience in a clinical research flow cytometry laboratory.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), associated documentation practices and CAP/CLIA standards.
• Certification as a Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist.