Research Assistant I / Body Imaging Research

At UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, this role supports groundbreaking radiology research that advances cancer diagnosis, imaging innovation, and patient outcomes. Team members collaborate with leading clinicians and researchers while gaining experience in machine learning applications, clinical research methodology, scientific publication development, and multidisciplinary healthcare research.

About the role

The Research Assistant I contributes to innovative radiology research within the Body Imaging Research Department, working alongside principal investigators, radiologists, and multidisciplinary research teams. This position plays a key role in evaluating and implementing machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques for abdominal organ segmentation, while supporting research design, data analysis, scientific publications, and research operations.

Responsibilities

• Research Operations
  • Conduct research experiments supporting body imaging and radiology research initiatives
  • Evaluate and assist with implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques for abdominal organ segmentation
  • Identify appropriate clinical cases for evaluation using advanced imaging analysis techniques
  • Assign tumor staging according to recognized guidelines with minimal oversight from faculty or research staff
• Data Collection & Analysis
  • Gather, record, and evaluate research data in accordance with requested methodologies
  • Collect and manage data from hospital information systems
  • Perform data gathering, organization, and analysis to support research initiatives
  • Support interpretation of clinical, translational, and outcomes research findings
• Research Development & Publications
  • Conduct literature searches to support research protocols and project development
  • Assist in drafting grant proposals to obtain funding for future research efforts
  • Design educational exhibits to support scientific and educational initiatives
  • Prepare abstracts, manuscripts, and other scholarly communications for dissemination
• Regulatory & Compliance Activities
  • Draft preliminary Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions
  • Support research activities in accordance with applicable guidelines and study protocols
  • Maintain accurate documentation and research records
• Collaboration & Service
  • Collaborate with principal investigators, radiologists, and multidisciplinary research teams
  • Demonstrate analytical thinking to gather information systematically and support sound decision-making
  • Apply innovative thinking to identify new ideas, solutions, and research approaches
  • Demonstrate technical expertise and maintain current knowledge relevant to radiology research
  • Provide professional, timely, safe, ethical, accountable, efficient, and innovative service to stakeholders while adhering to institutional policies and standards of conduct

Requirements

• Prior training in radiology, including residency training or equivalent clinical experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of diagnostic imaging modalities, radiologic anatomy, and image interpretation
• Strong interest in clinical, translational, or outcomes research in radiology
• Experience with research data collection, management, analysis, and interpretation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, data visualization, and data management
• Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, abstracts, grant applications, and presentations
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary clinical and research teams
• Analytical Thinking: gathering relevant information systematically, breaking down problems into simple components, and making sound decisions
• Innovative Thinking: approaching problems with curiosity and open-mindedness while offering new ideas, solutions, and options
• Technical/Functional Expertise: demonstrating technical proficiency, maintaining current professional knowledge, and providing expertise to others
• Service Orientation: demonstrating respect and professionalism, modeling safe and ethical behavior, responding to requests in a timely manner, proactively communicating expectations, and utilizing HEAL (Hear, Empathize, Address and Learn) principles when service recovery is needed

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline
• Work Experience: None required
• Preferred:
  • Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, SQL, or similar tools for data analysis, automation, and research workflows
  • Experience with research databases (e.g., REDCap), electronic medical records, and large imaging datasets
  • Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, HIPAA, and human subjects research regulations
  • Previous authorship on peer-reviewed publications or presentations at scientific conferences
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis methods and statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, SAS, or Stata)

Benefits

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

Pay

Minimum Salary: $39,500 USD
Midpoint Salary: $49,500 USD
Maximum Salary: $59,500 USD

Schedule

Full-Time, Regular
Work Week: Days
Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote