Lab Assistant 2

Department Summary

The MIMG department mission is to provide the highest quality research and education possible in the interdisciplinary fields of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics. To meet this goal, we work together as scientists, educators and students to identify and address the most relevant problems in microbial pathogenesis and physiology, host cell biology and immune defense, and the host-pathogen interface.

Position Summary

The research in the our lab is focused on invasion, host-pathogen interaction, and replication in the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii infects approximately one-third of the world's human population and causes severe central nervous system disorders in immunocompromised individuals and birth defects in congenitally-infected neonates.

T. gondii also serves as a model system for studying related apicomplexan parasites including Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria. The research in the laboratory is specifically focused on two major areas of Toxoplasma biology. First, we study a unique organelle named the inner membrane complex (IMC) and its role in host cell invasion as well as in endodyogeny, a replication process that occurs via internal budding in which two daughter buds are formed inside the maternal cell to form two daughter parasites.

Our second focus is determining how the parasite uses specialized secretory organelles named rhoptries and dense granules for invasion of host cells, hijacking host functions, and maintaining its intracellular niche. As these processes are necessary for the parasite to survive in its mammalian hosts, our studies provide important leads for the design of new therapies to combat apicomplexan infections

Salary & Compensation

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Qualifications

B.S. in Biological Sciences preferred. (Preferred) Ability to move and lift up to 25 lbs. (Required) Skill in sterile tissue culture techniques. (Preferred) Skill in light microscopy. (Preferred) Skill in preparing bacterial cultures. (Preferred) Skill in proper use of lab equipment (e.g. pH meter, centrifuges, etc.). (Preferred) Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures associated with the handling and disposal of chemicals and chemical waste, biohazards, and biohazardous waste. (Preferred) Skill in following written laboratory protocols. Skill in work organization and data handling. Ability to write clear and concise lab notes and data records. (Preferred) Understanding of the basic concepts of cancer, immunology and knowledgeable in the fields of cancer immunotherapy and immune cell engineering. (Preferred)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience / training (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired. COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

Schedule

8:00am to 5:00pm

Union/Policy Covered

TX-Systemwide Technical

Complete Position Description

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