Research Assistant II - GI Medical Oncology

Research Assistant II - GI Medical Oncology

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to perform technical assistance and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects in the department of GI Medical Oncology. Lab is seeking a motivated individual who has interest and passion in science and is excited to be the forefront of the cutting-edge translational cancer research. The individual will record and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested. The lab is committed to the mentorship and growth of the new hires to ensure they can achieve their long-term career goals.
 

This role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advanced molecular, cellular, and translational cancer research while working alongside leading scientists in GI Medical Oncology. As a Research Assistant II, you will develop highly marketable technical skills, receive strong mentorship, and contribute directly to projects that have real impact on patient care and scientific discovery. You’ll be part of a collaborative environment that values growth, learning, and innovation—providing a meaningful foundation for future careers in research, graduate school, medical school, or biotechnology.
 

Salary Range 

Minimum Salary: 45,000 | Midpoint Salary: 56,500 | Salary Maximum: 68,000

MD Anderson offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well being, growth, and financial security of our employees. Benefits include:

Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on day one for employees working 30+ hours per week
Group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability coverage
Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) leave accruals
Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and additional paid leave programs
Tuition Assistance Program available after six months of service
Participation in the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) defined benefit pension plan, plus two voluntary retirement plan options
Employer paid life and AD&D insurance, along with an illness-related reduced salary pay program
Access to extensive wellness resources, recognition programs, employee fitness and health services, and employee resource groups

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
1. Molecular Techniques (Enter 40% Effort)

Perform basic to intermediate molecular biology techniques such as DNA, RNA and protein extraction and measurement, DNA, RNA and protein gel electrophoresis, real-time quantitative RT-PCR, recombinant DNA cloning (transformation and mutagenesis).
Work will also involve the use antibodies in various immunostaining techniques and other indirect immunofluorescence techniques such as for flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
Supports bioengineering projects, including fabricating microfluidics chips, neuromodulation, and intravital imaging.
Prepare biological specimens harvested from mouse and perform histological experiments including dissecting mice, fixing and embedding tissues and immunostaining.

2. Tissue Processing and Cell Culture (Enter 40% Effort)

Receive, log, and process human tissue specimens for research use
Conduct enzymatic and mechanical tissue dissociation and cell isolation
Maintains tissue cultures, including 3D patient- and iPSC-derived organoid culture, microfluidics-based microtissues, and various immune cells
Perform cryopreservation and recovery of human tissue–derived cells
Maintain numerous established cell lines using standard tissue culture techniques including plating cells, determining cell counts and cell viability, transient and stable transfections, proliferation and functional assays.
Maintain accurate documentation and specimen tracking

3. Record Keeping (Enter 20% Effort)

Maintain accurate, detailed records of experimental data and protocols in accordance with methods requested. This involves the use of computers to analyze, organize and plot data and for entry of data into databases.

Other duties as assigned