Research Assistant II - GI Medical Oncology

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to eliminating cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research, cancer prevention, and education. The Research Assistant II role supports this mission by contributing to innovative cancer biology studies focused on colorectal cancer, treatment response, immune checkpoint therapy, and translational research that advances the understanding of intestinal adenocarcinomas.

Within the GI Medical Oncology department, the Research Assistant II will play an integral role in a laboratory focused on the molecular characterization of colorectal cancer, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, immune-related mechanisms, and novel treatment strategies. The Research Assistant II will work closely with research leadership and laboratory personnel to execute complex experiments, manage animal studies, and generate high-quality research data that supports scientific discovery.

The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II position will possess education and experience that support laboratory research in cancer biology, animal models, molecular characterization, and data analysis. Experience working with mouse colonies, PDX models, immune cell isolation, and scientific data interpretation is highly desirable. Strong communication, technical, organizational, and laboratory safety skills are important for success in this role.

Position Information
Hourly Salary: Minimum $21.63/hour – Midpoint $27.16/hour – Maximum $32.69/hour
The typical work schedule is Days.
Work Location: Onsite

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Research Assistant II contributes directly to cancer research that improves patient outcomes and advances scientific understanding of colorectal cancer and immunotherapy. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers, develop advanced laboratory and animal research skills, participate in impactful translational studies, and grow within a world-renowned academic research environment while benefiting from a comprehensive rewards package.

• 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

The primary purpose of this position is to conduct research in the cancer biology of intestinal adenocarcinomas with an emphasis on colorectal cancer, patient-derived xenografts, mechanisms of treatment response and resistance, tumor immunology, immune cell interactions, and immune checkpoint therapy.

Animal Research & Colony Management

• Manage mouse colonies with minimal supervision
• Perform survival surgeries for implantation of patient-derived tumor fragments and cell lines
• Administer drug dosing through oral gavage, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous techniques
• Measure tumor response using calipers and non-invasive imaging methods
• Analyze outcomes from efficacy studies
• Perform non-survival surgeries for specimen collection and molecular characterization
• Conduct necropsies and collect tumor, blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph node samples
• Extract immune cells from human tumors and mouse tissues

Experimental Research Activities

• Conduct cancer biology experiments according to approved research plans
• Support molecular characterization of colorectal cancer models
• Perform ex vivo treatment studies using collected specimens
• Utilize primary tumors, xenograft tumors, cell cultures, and animal models in research projects
• Study mechanisms of treatment response and resistance
• Investigate immune-related pathways involved in tumor and immune cell interactions
• Support research involving immune checkpoint therapies

Documentation & Data Management

• Maintain accurate and detailed mouse colony records, including PDX models
• Ensure timely entry of research and animal-related data
• Verify correct animal identification using ear tags
• Report identification discrepancies to the supervisor
• Properly label collected tissue samples
• Deposit specimens into designated storage locations
• Maintain accurate documentation of stored samples and research activities

Data Analysis & Technical Support

• Analyze experimental data with minimal supervision
• Create plots and visual representations of research findings
• Utilize advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis
• Use Adobe Photoshop for research-related image processing and presentation support

Communication, Training & Safety

• Communicate experimental results and potential issues clearly to supervisors and laboratory personnel
• Present findings during laboratory meetings
• Review scientific literature and references to support research activities
• Develop written experimental procedures and protocols
• Prepare concise and accurate methods and results summaries
• Assist with training graduate students, fellows, and post-doctoral trainees when needed
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment
• Follow institutional policies and OSHA requirements regarding biohazard and radiation safety