In Vivo Research Assistant

START Center for Cancer Research

San Antonio, TX

Expired: 7 days ago Applications are no longer accepted.

Full-Time

Job Description

XenoSTART, a division of START is a translational research organization focused on creating relevant preclinical cancer models.  Our xenograft models represent each cancer type and disease stage and are established from patients at our domestic and international cancer centers.  The XenoSTART Patient-Derived Xenograft (XPDX) platform includes over 2,500 models annotated with each donor patient’s cancer treatment and outcome data and characterized using IHC, DNA/RNA sequencing, and relevant in vivo drug efficacy.

Our XPDX models are clinically annotated and include patient treatment history and outcome and are characterized through genomic profiling, histologic analysis, and in vivo drug sensitivity to relevant standards of care. These models may be utilized in the following manner: 

In vivo PK/PD and efficacy studies
In vivo efficacy panel screens (indication or target focused)
In licensing of models for internal studies
Custom model development 
Orthotopic and radiotherapy studies 
Ex vivo and organoid studies

Position Summary:
Under direct supervision of the supervisor, this position involves collection of data obtained from industry sponsored and investigator-initiated studies. In addition, this position entails all procedures involved with small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, drug preparation and dosing and other related duties for the START Preclinical Group.

Essential Responsibilities:

Collects internally generated data including small animal body weights and tumor dimensions using mechanical and electronic devices and stores on internal server.
Perform day-to-day procedures including but not limited to small animal handling, husbandry, surgery, anesthesia, cell culture, blood and tissue collection and processing, tumor implantation, cell injection, euthanasia, sample processing including cryopreservation, cryofreezing and fixation, sterilization, maintenance and cleaning. These operations may involve multi-tasking, lifting of greater than forty pounds, standing or sitting for long periods of time and repetitive procedures.
Prepare, aliquot and properly store vehicles, drugs, media and other laboratory solutions.
Administer agents by various routes on various dosing schedules.
Attends regular meetings and briefings regarding preclinical studies as required.
Assists in animal and laboratory activities as needed.
Assists in data preparation and administrative log management as needed.
Follows all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Ability to stand for extended periods of time
Ability to perform daily tasks requiring fine motor skills
Ability to utilize full range of motion (reaching, bending, etc.)
Ability to lift 40 pounds
Ability to handle understand safety procedures associated with biological, investigational, or hazardous materials, not to exceed BSL2
Ability to work with and understand safety procedures associated with sharps including but not limited to needles, scalpel blades, lancets, etc.
Ability to don full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on shift, including but not limited to lab coat, gloves, mask, and bouffant

Qualifications & Skills: