Coordinator, Research Laboratory - Experimental Radiation Oncology

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned academic cancer center dedicated to eliminating cancer through exceptional programs that integrate patient care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Laboratory Coordinator position plays an important role in advancing research operations and supporting scientific discovery across a complex laboratory environment.

Within the Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, the Research Laboratory Coordinator supports the laboratory operations of Dr. Junjie Chen, Chair of Experimental Radiation Oncology, and provides operational support to the Associate Director, Laboratory Operations. The Lab Coordinator coordinates research activities, oversees laboratory functions, and helps ensure regulatory compliance, while the Lab Coordinator serves as a key resource for researchers, faculty, students, and collaborators.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, with a Master's degree in natural sciences or a related field preferred, along with significant scientific, research, or clinical laboratory experience and demonstrated leadership experience. A strong background in laboratory operations, molecular biology, tissue culture techniques, regulatory compliance, staff training, and laboratory infrastructure management will support success in this role.
 

Minimum $32.93 – Midpoint $41.11 – Maximum $49.28 per hour

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Lab Coordinator contributes directly to groundbreaking cancer research by supporting laboratory operations, scientific investigations, compliance activities, and researcher development. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists, support innovative research programs, strengthen operational excellence, and build expertise across laboratory management, regulatory compliance, and scientific administration while contributing to UT MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer.
• 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.
 

Responsibilities

Research Coordination & Scientific Support • Coordinate and conduct experiments involving DNA damage pathways, genomic instability, tumorigenesis, Chfr mitotic checkpoint protein research, and SIRT1-related aging and tumorigenesis studies. • Assist with research projects requiring molecular biology knowledge, cell-based assays, and tissue culture techniques. • Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, protocols, and research data. • Compile, prepare, write, and submit reports to supervisors. • Attend departmental and scientific seminars to remain current on advancements in relevant research fields.

Laboratory Operations & Infrastructure • Construct, assemble, operate, and maintain laboratory apparatus and equipment. • Prepare buffers, media, solutions, and reagents for cell culture activities. • Perform laboratory maintenance, including equipment cleaning, stock management, repair coordination, inventory organization, and general laboratory support. • Oversee laboratory equipment inventories, reagent replenishment, installations, facilities requests, computers, software, and network-related needs. • Coordinate vendor visits, preventive maintenance services, and repair activities to minimize operational downtime.

Leadership, Training & Personnel Support • Assist with reviewing applicants, supervising laboratory members, training personnel, evaluating performance, and providing feedback for evaluations. • Help orient and train new staff and students on laboratory procedures and expectations. • Organize and deliver training programs to maintain knowledge of specialized laboratory procedures. • Supervise researchers to support project timelines and successful completion of initiatives. • Coach researchers on best practices for laboratory operations and shared departmental spaces.

Compliance, Safety & Regulatory Administration • Assist faculty with submissions including MTAs, IBCs, IACUCs, and related research documentation. • Oversee preparation for and responses to Annual EHS laboratory inspections, Radiation Safety inspections, IACUC inspections, and other regulatory reviews. • Review, update, and deliver training content related to new employee orientation, safety compliance, laboratory practices, and shared equipment procedures. • Maintain chemical inventories, safety records, hazardous material documentation, and laboratory compliance records. • Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements related to environmental health and safety, radiation safety, chemical safety, biological safety, fire safety, and emergency contingency planning.

Departmental Support & Process Improvement • Order centralized supplies, monitor laboratory expenses, and identify cost-effective alternatives. • Develop relationships with internal and external collaborators to support laboratory operations and research objectives. • Communicate promptly with faculty and researchers to improve efficiency and resource utilization. • Scan capital equipment for Annual Asset 

Management Inventory activities. • Anticipate operational challenges, troubleshoot issues, develop workflow improvements, and maintain standardized laboratory practices, policies, procedures, resources, and the EROPRO Teams Lab Operations site.