Research Assistant I - GI Medical Oncology

Research Assistant I - GI Medical Oncology

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading academic cancer center dedicated to eliminating cancer through exceptional patient care, innovative research, prevention, and education. The Research Assistant I position supports this mission by contributing to laboratory operations and biospecimen management activities that advance clinical and translational research.

Within the GI Medical Oncology department, the Research Assistant I supports biospecimen collection, processing, and banking operations for clinical and translational research studies. The Research Assistant I works under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and research leadership to ensure high-quality biospecimen handling, accurate documentation, and efficient laboratory operations. The Research Assistant I also collaborates with investigators, research staff, and trainees to support research activities and expand biospecimen processing capacity.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's Degree in a Natural Science or Applied Science research-related discipline and demonstrates interest in laboratory-based clinical and translational research. Candidates with hands-on experience in blood and tissue specimen processing, in vitro cell culture techniques, laboratory operations, accurate recordkeeping, and biospecimen management will be well positioned for success in this role.

Salary Information (40-hour work week): Minimum $18.99/hour • Midpoint $23.80/hour • Maximum $28.61/hour

Work Location: Houston, TX

Typical Work Schedule: Days

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role directly supports groundbreaking cancer research through the collection, processing, storage, and management of biospecimens used in clinical and translational studies. The position provides valuable exposure to laboratory research operations, biospecimen banking, and collaboration with leading investigators while offering opportunities for professional development, career growth, and work-life balance within a world-renowned research environment.
• 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

Support Biospecimen Collection & Processing 

• Perform collection of blood and tissue specimens according to established protocols and regulations.
• Process blood and tissue specimens for clinical and translational research studies.
• Label specimens accurately and according to established protocols.
• Store and bank blood and tissue specimens in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Process blood and other fluid specimens to support research studies.
• Ensure timely and high-quality handling of biospecimens for current and future research initiatives.
 

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance 

• Prepare and maintain laboratory areas.
• Ensure laboratory cleanliness and proper aseptic techniques.
• Maintain and clean laboratory equipment.
• Organize equipment repair procedures.
• Maintain laboratory stock supplies.
• Manage chemical inventories.
• Maintain laboratory safety records.
• Provide general laboratory support as needed.
 

Specimen Documentation & Inventory Management 

• Prepare records for specimen filing.
• Prepare labels for specimen filing and tracking.
• Serve as curator of specimen files and retrieval systems.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of research protocols.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental data.
• Maintain biorepository inventories and associated records.
 

Research Support & Collaboration 

• Collaborate with investigators to facilitate research activities.
• Collaborate with research staff to support participant enrollment and sample collection.
• Collaborate with trainees to support laboratory activities.
• Perform technical duties related to specimen photography.
• Distribute materials for interpretation.
• Support biospecimen banking operations that enhance research capacity.
 

Reporting & Operational Continuity 

• Compile work reports for the supervisor.
• Write work reports for the supervisor.
• Submit work reports to the supervisor.
• Provide coverage support for biospecimen processing operations.
• Provide cross-training support to ensure operational continuity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.