Research Assistant II - Mouse Handling

About the role

The Research Assistant II position in GU Radiation Oncology supports preclinical and translational research within the Division of Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. This role provides responsible technical assistance across multiple research projects, with a strong emphasis on mouse colony management, in vivo and in vitro experimentation, data collection, and daily laboratory operations in support of investigator-led studies.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor's degree in a basic science discipline, has at least one year of scientific or experimental research experience, including hands-on animal handling, and demonstrates technical proficiency in laboratory techniques, data documentation, and safety practices. The ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team-based research environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Animal Research & Mouse Colony Management
  • Organize, manage, and maintain mouse colonies, including husbandry, genotyping, breeding, treatments, health monitoring, and tissue collection
  • Conduct mouse experiments using various injection methods, imaging techniques, X-ray irradiation, and therapeutic interventions
  • Work with genetically engineered, immunocompromised, and wild-type mouse models in compliance with approved protocols and SOPs
• Laboratory Operations & Safety
  • Support daily laboratory operations, including preparation of common stock solutions and maintenance of general lab equipment
  • Monitor, update, order, and verify quality of laboratory supplies and reagents to support research activities
  • Implement and model laboratory safety practices, including appropriate PPE use and compliance with biohazard, chemical, and radiation safety requirements
• Experimental Techniques & Research Support
  • Conduct in vivo and in vitro experiments in areas of cell biology, molecular biology, and related basic science fields
  • Perform cell culture, drug and radiation treatments, cell growth and death assays, and molecular techniques including PCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and nucleic acid isolation
  • Assist with histological and immunohistochemical analyses, transfection, transcriptomics, and sequencing-related activities
• Data Management & Analysis
  • Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, including methods, treatments, observations, and results
  • Analyze, evaluate, and interpret experimental data using established methods and data processing tools
  • Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to ongoing scientific discussions
• Collaboration, Communication & Knowledge Sharing
  • Provide technical and coordination assistance to research staff and division members
  • Work autonomously while contributing effectively within a team environment using courteous and professional communication
  • Support training and knowledge transfer to current and new laboratory members and stay informed of relevant scientific literature

Requirements

• Education
  • Required: Bachelor's Degree in a basic science discipline
  • Preferred: Master's Degree or Medical Degree in a basic science discipline
• Work Experience
  • Required: 1 year of scientific or experimental research work experience, or no experience required with a preferred degree
  • Preferred: Experience with animal handling and treatments, willingness to work with mice, and experience with data processing tools including Excel

Pay

Annual salary range: $45,000 – $68,000 (Midpoint: $56,500)

Hourly equivalent (40-hour work week): $21.63 – $32.69

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
• Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position
• Day shift
• Onsite work location