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Research Assistant II - GI Medical Oncology
Research Assistant II
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to eliminating cancer through integrated programs in patient care, research, prevention, and education. As a leading institution in cancer research and treatment, UT MD Anderson advances scientific discovery through innovative laboratory and translational research programs that improve outcomes for patients in Texas, the nation, and the world.
The Research Assistant II position supports the Department of GI Medical Oncology by providing technical and research support for a variety of translational cancer research projects. The Research Assistant II will assist with molecular biology experiments, tissue processing, cell culture, histological procedures, and laboratory operations. The Research Assistant II role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer research while working in a collaborative environment focused on scientific advancement and professional development.
The ideal candidate will have experience or exposure to molecular biology techniques, tissue processing, cell culture, immunostaining procedures, and research documentation. Candidates should possess strong scientific aptitude, organizational skills, and a willingness to learn new laboratory techniques while collaborating effectively with research staff and investigators.
Salary: Minimum $45,000.00 – Midpoint $56,500.00 – Maximum $68,000.00
Typical Work Schedule: Days
Work Location: Onsite located in Houston
Why Us?
This position plays an important role in advancing translational cancer research that directly supports UT MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer through research, patient care, prevention, and education. Team members gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques, collaborate with leading researchers, and benefit from mentorship and professional development opportunities that support long-term career growth while maintaining a strong commitment to employee well-being.
• 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
Molecular Techniques
• Perform DNA extraction, RNA extraction, and protein extraction procedures.
• Measure DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations using established laboratory methods.
• Conduct DNA, RNA, and protein gel electrophoresis experiments.
• Perform real-time quantitative RT-PCR assays.
• Execute recombinant DNA cloning procedures, including transformation and mutagenesis.
• Generate knockout cell lines for research studies.
• Utilize antibodies in immunostaining applications.
• Perform indirect immunofluorescence techniques for flow cytometry.
• Perform immunohistochemistry procedures.
• Support bioengineering studies involving microfluidics chips, neuromodulation, and intravital imaging.
Tissue Processing, Histology & Specimen Management
• Receive human tissue specimens for research use.
• Log and track tissue specimens using established documentation procedures.
• Process human tissue specimens for laboratory research activities.
• Conduct enzymatic tissue dissociation procedures.
• Conduct mechanical tissue dissociation procedures.
• Isolate cells from human tissue specimens.
• Prepare biological specimens harvested from mouse models.
• Dissect mice for research-related tissue collection.
• Fix and embed tissues for histological analysis.
• Perform immunostaining procedures on tissue specimens.
Cell Culture & Experimental Support
• Maintain tissue cultures for ongoing research studies.
• Maintain 3D patient-derived organoid cultures.
• Maintain microfluidics-based microtissues.
• Maintain various immune cell cultures.
• Perform cryopreservation of human tissue-derived cells.
• Recover cryopreserved human tissue-derived cells.
• Maintain established cell lines using standard tissue culture techniques.
• Plate cells and monitor cell growth.
• Determine cell counts and evaluate cell viability.
• Perform transient transfections, stable transfections, proliferation assays, and functional assays.
Data Management, Documentation & Communication
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental data.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory protocols.
• Analyze research data using computer applications.
• Organize and plot research data for interpretation and reporting.
• Enter experimental and specimen data into research databases.
• Maintain accurate specimen tracking documentation.
• Communicate experimental results to supervisors and laboratory personnel.
• Report potential experimental issues and research challenges promptly.
• Read scientific articles and reference materials to support research activities.
• Develop step-by-step written procedures for experimental methods and communicate them to laboratory staff.
Laboratory Operations, Safety & General Support
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly laboratory environment.
• Follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Comply with all institutional policies and OSHA regulations regarding biohazard safety.
• Comply with all institutional policies and OSHA regulations regarding radiation safety.
• Handle hazardous chemicals, including phenol, ethidium bromide, acrylamide, and formamide, in accordance with safety protocols.
• Operate and maintain various laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Prepare media, solutions, and reagents accurately.
• Apply basic scientific terminology and cancer research concepts in daily laboratory activities.
• Perform literature and online database searches to retrieve scientific information.
• Learn new techniques, collaborate with staff and research partners, and assist with additional laboratory activities as needed.
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science.
- Preferred: Medical Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or no experience required with preferred degree.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
