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Research Assistant II - Hematopathology
The Department of Hematopathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center advances the understanding of hematologic malignancies through integrated diagnostic and translational research efforts. Supporting cutting-edge lymphoma and related blood cancer studies, the department relies on organized tissue management, accurate data tracking, and high-quality histopathologic resources to drive meaningful scientific discovery.
As a Research Assistant II, you will provide technical and organizational support for multiple research projects, with a strong focus on histology slide management, digital pathology workflows, and lymphoma research initiatives. Your work will directly contribute to research studies designed to improve diagnostic precision and patient outcomes.
In this role, you will perform whole-slide scanning of histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) slides using digital scanners, ensuring accurate labeling, organization, and upload of images into shared systems. You will maintain structured digital and physical inventories of paraffin blocks and glass slides, track tissue usage and recuts, and organize materials by case and project to support ongoing research activities.
You will coordinate histopathology requests, including immunohistochemical stains and tissue microarrays (TMAs), follow up on submissions, and ensure completed materials are accurately matched to their respective cases and research protocols. Supporting lymphoma-focused initiatives, including LOTR-related projects, you will collaborate with pathologists to identify appropriate tissue blocks and maintain organized resources for study teams.
Accurate recordkeeping is essential to this position. You will document laboratory work within the electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) system, maintain databases of received and processed samples, and organize spreadsheets linking cases, blocks, slides, and digital scans. Your attention to detail will help ensure research integrity, traceability, and compliance with institutional standards.
In addition to project-specific duties, you will support general laboratory operations, including maintaining equipment, preparing stock reagents, assisting with laboratory inspections, and managing supply ordering and inventory control. Your ability to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and maintain clear documentation will be critical to supporting a productive and compliant research environment.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, and additional benefits, supporting professional growth and long-term career development within a world-renowned cancer research institution.
**The ideal candidate will have experience in creation and evaluation of FFPE tissue blocks and generation of slides from FFPE tissue blocks and digital micropsy experience.**
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
• Research Laboratory Functions
1. Slide Scanning
a. Scan histology and IHC slides using whole-slide scanners
b. Label, name, and organize scanned images correctly
c. Upload and store digital slides in shared systems
2. Tissue, Block, and Slide Organization
a. Organize paraffin blocks and glass slides by case and project
b. Maintain clear inventories of blocks and slides
c. Track tissue usage and slide recuts
d. Prepare and retrieve materials for LOTR lymphoma projects
3. Histopathology Requests
a. Request histopathology items, including:
i. IHC stains
ii. Tissue microarrays (TMAs)
b. Follow up on requests and confirm completion
c. Match completed slides to the correct cases and projects
4. Lymphoma Project Support (LOTR)
a. Support tissue organization for lymphoma research studies
b. Work with pathologists to identify appropriate tissue blocks
• Record Keeping
1. Record keeping of all lab work including experiments performed and database of samples received & processed in the ELN system.
2. Data Collection & Organization
a. Collect and organize basic tissue and case information
b. Maintain spreadsheets or logs linking cases, blocks, slides, and scans
c. Keep project records accurate and up to date
• General Laboratory Maintenance & Supplies
1. Maintenance of general lab equipment.
2. Assist with preparing the lab for lab inspections.
3. Prepares common laboratory stock chemicals
4. Submits all orders for the lab and maintains supplies inventory.
• Other duties as assigned
Education
Required:
• Bachelor's Degree in Basic Science
Preferred:
• Master’s Degree in Basic Science or Medical Degree
Work Experience
Required:
• 1 year of 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
