Research Assistant I

About the Role

MD Anderson's Cancer Biology department has a long history of being a leader in the field of basic and translational cancer biology research. The department emphasizes the training of students, postdoctoral fellows and clinical fellows in the fundamentals of tumor biology to improve the outcomes of patients with malignancies. The department has built a program with close ties to many clinical departments to facilitate information exchange between the laboratory and the clinic. As such, faculty in the department are investigators on NIH-funded collaborative cancer biology research grants called "Specialized Programs of Research Excellence" (SPOREs). In addition, there are several physician-scientists who have joint appointments in Cancer Biology, facilitating the exchange of clinically relevant information between the laboratory and the clinic.

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I is to coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of chemistry, biology, physics and other biomedical or related basic science areas. Construct, assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Read literature and confer with superiors regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project. Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested. The ideal candidate experience with basic molecular biology techniques or bioinformatic skills is considered a plus and may support success in this research-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Research Activities
  • Coordinate and conduct experiments across chemistry, biology, physics, biomedical, and related scientific disciplines
  • Read scientific literature and confer with supervisors regarding new procedures and research methods
  • Modify research procedures as needed to support project objectives
  • Record, organize, and evaluate experimental data using requested methodologies
• Animal Research Support
  • Handle and maintain mouse colonies
  • Perform mouse biopsies and genotyping procedures
  • Assist with skin surgery procedures in animal models
  • Complete related animal research tasks as assigned
• Laboratory Operations
  • Assist with day-to-day laboratory operations
  • Review laboratory needs and recommend purchases based on anticipated workload
  • Process laboratory purchasing activities and communicate with vendors
  • Maintain laboratory inventory and operational readiness
• Equipment Management & Compliance
  • Oversee laboratory equipment usage and maintenance activities
  • Coordinate repair and servicing of laboratory equipment
  • Support laboratory compliance requirements
  • Maintain compliance with Environmental Health and Safety standards
  • Maintain compliance with HIPAA requirements
• Technical Laboratory Procedures
  • Perform and receive training in human and mouse tissue culture techniques
  • Perform immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence microscopy procedures
  • Assist with fluorescence-activated cell sorting activities
  • Conduct basic molecular biology procedures involving RNA, DNA, and proteins
  • Perform Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques

Qualifications

Education

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline

Work Experience

• Required: None
• Preferred: Experience with basic molecular biology techniques. Prior bioinformatic skills is a plus.

Benefits

At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to impactful cancer research while working alongside leading scientists and clinicians in a collaborative academic environment. The position provides hands-on training in advanced laboratory techniques, supports professional development, and enables meaningful contributions to discoveries that may improve patient outcomes.

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Pay

Minimum $18.99/hour - Midpoint $23.80/hour - Maximum $28.61/hour. Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 39,500. Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 49,500. Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 59,500. FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay.

Schedule

Employment Status: Full-Time. Employee Status: Regular. Work Week: Days. Work Location: Texas Medical Center, Onsite.