Senior Research Assistant- Clinical Flow Cytometrist, Full Time Opportunity

Program in Children’s Regenerative Medicine

Department of Pediatric Surgery

The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

The Program in Children’s Regenerative Medicine in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston is seeking full time Clinical Flow Cytometrist for its Human Cell Processing cGMP Facility. This initiative will help to save children’s lives and improve the quality of their lives by developing techniques and therapies to repair damaged organs or birth defects in children.   The Program is seeking clinical flow cytometrists on a part time basis to cover as needed for vacations, holidays and sick leave. The clinical flow cytometrist will be responsible for performing all aspects of testing from specimen receipt to reporting of final results according to trial-specific SOPs. Knowledge of regulatory requirements is essential. The successful candidates will work with and under the supervision of the Facility Director on translational research projects related to cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Among primary responsibilities, the selected candidate will be responsible for performing a wide variety of complex, highly specialized and time-sensitive biologic manufacturing processes.

• Performs moderate to complex flow cytometric analyses of various tissues, including Bone Marrow and Cord Blood according to established procedures, and reports test results.
• Performs bone marrow and cord blood extended differential cell counts.
• Performs quantitative T and B cell subset analysis and CD34 stem cell analysis.
• Performs all aspects of immunophenotyping, including reagent stock and working solution preparation, sample preparation, staining, acquisition, and data analysis.
• Assists with the development, optimization, and validation of new procedures and SOPs.
• Assists in the implementation of standardized protocols in compliance with safety and regulatory requirements
• Follows the laboratory’s SOPs for handling and processing, analyzing, reviewing and reporting data and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Performs and records instrument quality control and function checks
• Adheres to established turn-around-times while maintaining highest quality of test results and the most efficient use of resources. Operate and maintain a BD LSR II flow cytometer.  Able to interpret and analyze flow cytometric data using BD Diva and FlowJo.  Design and execute flow cytometric experiments.  
• Design and execute immunohistochemical protocols.  Able to operate various histological systems which include: tissue embedding and tissue sectioning equipment.
• Operate and maintain image analysis system.
• Maintain and design cell culture experiments which include co-cultures, transfections, proliferation, and apoptosis.
• Plans, designs, and implements research experiments according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following:  traditional laboratory experiments and activities, informatics, and/or animal laboratories.
• Makes independent decisions as required, which may impact research team or assigned project
• Maintains accurate and timely records to include notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project.
• Assists with identifying type and quality of supplies needed for research project to ensure cost effectiveness and ensure smooth operations.
• Monitors laboratory and/or other supplies to ensure sufficient inventory to support research projects.   Maintains clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department.  Participates in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops. May provided guidance and training of laboratory technicians, support staff and other assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results  May provide updates to P.I. regarding research progress.

·       10. Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulation and codes.

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

The Program has over 5,000 square feet of state of the art, fully-equipped basic laboratory and tissue engineering facilities as well as 4,000 square feet of cGMP laboratories for production of clinical grade, cell and tissue engineered products.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1.     Bachelor's Degree

2.     Minimum of 2 years’ experience in in acquiring and accurately analyzing clinical flow cytometry data

3.     Familiarity with Becton Dickinson Biosciences hardware (e.g., FACSAria, LSR II, FACS Canto) and software (BD DIVA) as well as with FloJo

4.     Willingness to work during nights, week-ends or holidays as necessary on call and OT compensation available.

5.     Personal responsibility and ability to work independently without supervision

6.     Ability to work in teams with good interpersonal skills

7.     Impeccable record keeping skills, compatible with a clinical operation.

Apply Online:  http://jobs.uth.tmc.edu   (Requisition #160204)

Learn more about us:  utsurg.uth.tmc.edu/pedisurgery

The University of Texas Medical School at Houston is an Equal Opportunity Employer:  M/F/D/V (minority/female/disabled/veteran