DESCRIPTION

The Moores Cancer Center is one of just 50 in the United States to hold a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting basic and clinical cancer research, providing advanced patient care and serving the community through outreach and education programs.

The Cancer Center's mission is to translate promising scientific discoveries into new and better options for the care of patients with cancer. The Center supports one of the broadest ranges of cancer activities in the nation – from fundamental and translational cancer research in molecular genetics and advanced molecular therapeutics, and from population studies of cancer incidence to community education about cancer prevention and risk reduction.

Under direction of Pathologists, Lab Manager, and Lab Supervisor, the Histology Research Associate (HRA) will assist with clinical research and perform technical tasks in each lab section assigned. In the lab, they will work on the nanoString research platform (nCounter MAX, GeoMX/DSP) with human and mouse research tissues for multiplex tumor and immune profiling. May assist in PBMC, microbiome, and other specimen handling, processing, and clinical annotation.

Maintains lab and perform lab inventory, ordering supplies, clerical, and other duties as directed. Prepares buffers and solutions as needed. Maintains laboratory environmental health and safety activities, including chemical and biological waste disposal. Coordinates development of tissue projects with lab manager, and coordinates associated activities. Will serve as the principal administrative liaison for the projects. Organizes and prepares specimens for distribution, and completes specimens in LIS, files slides and blocks, tracks specimens, maintains storage, retrieval and disposal of specimens per lab protocols.

Under Pathology, they will conduct histological procedures in accordance with laboratory requirements. Duties include tissue accessioning, processing, embedding and staining. May assist with tissue accessioning & processing, embedding, microtomy and staining (routine and special), immunofluorescence, equipment preventive maintenance, quality control, slides cover-slipping, and delivers slides for pathologists. Assist with clinical research processing and clerical tasks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge in biology, chemistry, histology and immunohistochemistry or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience using balance, processor, embedder, and light and fluorescent microscopes. Comfortable and able to navigate new technology as the laboratory upgrades equipment. Ability to work on the NanoString research platform (nCounter MAX, GeoMx/DSP) with human and mouse research tissues for multiplex tumor and immune profiling.

• Demonstrated experience cutting frozen and paraffin sections for histology.

• Proven experience performing hematoxylin and eosin stains on paraffin or frozen sections.

• Knowledge in histology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry techniques. Experience performing immunohistochemistry assays after protocol review.

• Experience performing special stains on paraffin or frozen sections, using adipose tissue as positive control.

• Demonstrated experience calculating and preparing chemical solutions accurately.

• Strong knowledge in basic math for maintaining ledgers, income and expenditures reports.

• Proficient in the operation of a personal computer, including Access, MS Word and Excel.

• Good communication skills (both verbal and written) to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as to effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Thorough knowledge of laboratory safety procedures involved in working with hazardous chemicals and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment. Ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Experience to write Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for using laboratory equipment following the manual instructions. Experience to instruct personnel with Standard