Research Assistant II

Join our Breast Medical Oncology department in a mission to improve breast cancer patient survival, advance research, and ultimately eliminate breast cancer through patient-centered care, prevention, education, and outreach.

About the role

The Research Assistant II will perform breast cancer research laboratory experiments with minimal supervision, supporting faculty in data acquisition, organization, and analysis. This role requires proficiency in core molecular biology techniques and experience with in vivo mouse work is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute molecular biology experiments including DNA, RNA, and protein extraction and quantification.
• Perform agarose and SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, real-time quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, and recombinant DNA cloning.
• Perform and optimize mammalian cell culture workflows including maintenance, passaging, cryopreservation, and contamination control.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and prepare figures and summaries for lab meetings, reports, and publications.
• Manage multiple concurrent research projects while meeting timelines and research objectives.
• Maintain detailed experimental documentation to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Establish and manage mouse models including orthotopic and subcutaneous tumor implantation.
• Perform in vivo procedures such as oral gavage and intraperitoneal injections.
• Monitor animal health, tumor growth, and treatment response and record in vivo data.
• Design and execute in vivo tumor growth and therapeutic efficacy studies in compliance with IACUC protocols.
• Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks documenting procedures, results, and sample tracking.
• Curate, validate, and organize datasets for analysis and reporting.
• Ensure documentation remains accurate, compliant, and audit-ready.
• Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and workflow coordination.
• Prepare reagents and media using precise molarity calculations.
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Monitor critical equipment parameters and initiate maintenance or repair requests.
• Safely handle hazardous chemicals and biological materials in compliance with OSHA and institutional guidelines.
• Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff to advance project goals.
• Communicate experimental progress, challenges, and results clearly and effectively.
• Coordinate weekend and holiday schedules to support continuity of animal studies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Science (Required).
• Master’s Degree in Basic Science or Medical Degree (Preferred).
• One year of scientific or experimental research work experience (or no experience required with preferred degree).
• Hands-on experience in cell culture techniques and demonstrated proficiency in molecular and cellular biology methodologies.
• Experience with in vivo mouse models (preferred).

Pay

Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69 per hour based on a 40-hour work week.

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, plus 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 and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Work location: Texas Medical Center, onsite.