Research Assistant I - Leukemia

Responsibilities

• Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines using sterile laboratory techniques.
• Observe and identify cell changes under a microscope to support culture maintenance.
• Perform cell counts using a hemocytometer or coulter counter.
• Perform specimen aliquoting, labeling, cryopreservation, and storage procedures.
• Maintain specimen integrity and chain of custody throughout processing activities.
• Ensure specimens are processed within established timelines to preserve quality and viability.
• Retrieve and distribute banked specimens for approved research studies and laboratory requests.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures under supervision including PBMC and BMMC isolation.
• Conduct cell counting and viability assessments.
• Perform cryopreservation activities for research specimens.
• Support specimen inventory management and tracking activities.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, media, supplies, and materials required for daily operations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, work areas, and storage facilities in a clean and organized manner.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures, biosafety practices, and institutional guidelines at all times.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of specimen collection, processing, storage locations, and distribution activities.
• Enter specimen and inventory information into laboratory databases, biorepository systems, and tracking logs.
• Avoid specimen discrepancies, quality concerns, and equipment issues by identifying and reporting them to supervisory personnel.
• Maintain specimen traceability throughout the specimen lifecycle.
• Protect the confidentiality of patient information.
• Support compliance with quality assurance and laboratory operational requirements.
• Assist with monitoring laboratory supply levels and communicate inventory needs to supervisory staff.
• Manually operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Review equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals as necessary.
• Lift and carry items up to 20-25 pounds and transport materials within the laboratory using a roller cart.
• Comply with institutional safety policies, Universal Precautions, and OSHA standards when handling toxic, hazardous, flammable, radioactive, infectious, or carcinogenic materials.
• Utilize required personal protective equipment including gloves, eye protection, face masks, gowns, and lab coats.
• Work with equipment such as fume hoods and biological safety cabinets when required.

Requirements

Required: Bachelor's Degree in Basic Science.

Work Experience Required: None.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant I role will have education and experience that support laboratory operations, biospecimen processing, specimen banking, data documentation, and adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Individuals with exposure to tissue culture techniques, specimen processing, cryopreservation, inventory management, and research laboratory environments are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Salary: Min $39,500 Mid $49,500 Max $59,500

The typical work schedule is Days.

Work Location: Onsite

Why Us? At UT MD Anderson, the Research Assistant I contributes directly to innovative leukemia research by supporting critical specimen banking and laboratory operations. This role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment, develop specialized laboratory skills, support meaningful scientific discoveries, and contribute to an institution dedicated to eliminating cancer while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

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

Salary: Min $39,500 Mid $49,500 Max $59,500

Schedule

The typical work schedule is Days.