Research Assistant II - Symptom Research

Dr. Grace’s Lab in Symptom Research is looking for a Research Assistant II.

UT MD Anderson's Symptom Research department is at the forefront of discovering new ways of identifying the symptoms and neurotoxicities associated with cancer and its treatment, the mechanisms underlying such symptoms and toxicities, and interventions that might reduce symptom severity or prevent symptom occurrence altogether. The department also advocates for policy change, awareness on the part of funding agencies, and broad inclusion of patient report in clinical studies, especially drug development trials. Because symptoms are subjective experiences, we believe that only the patient can truly know the severity, temporal pattern, quality, location and impact on activities and daily life that symptoms have — and that the patient’s voice must therefore be heard.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and detail‑oriented Research Assistant II with hands‑on experience in preclinical laboratory research and a strong commitment to advancing symptom science in oncology. They possess demonstrated proficiency in animal handling and rodent behavioral assays, including assessments of neuropathy and muscle function, and are skilled in performing injections, surgeries, tissue collection, and standard molecular and cellular biology techniques such as ELISA, Western blotting, PCR, and immunohistochemistry. 

This individual maintains meticulous experimental records, analyzes and communicates data clearly to the Principal Investigator, and consistently adheres to established research protocols, ethical standards, and safety regulations. The successful candidate thrives in a collaborative research environment, effectively manages laboratory operations such as supply ordering, and takes initiative in training and mentoring junior staff, students, and new lab members. They are driven by a shared belief in patient‑centered research, valuing the patient voice, and are passionate about translating rigorous laboratory findings into meaningful improvements in symptom management, quality of life, and cancer care.

MD Anderson offers our employees:
- Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
- Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
- Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
- Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
- Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
- Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
- Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to perform and coordinate experiments for research projects.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

·         Plans and performs various experiments with rodents to assess behaviors (e.g., signs of neuropathy, muscle weakness).

·         Performs injections, surgeries, and other manipulations in mice.

·         Collects and processes tissues from mice for further analysis

·         Performs ELISA, Western blotting, PCR, immunohistochemistry, or other bench techniques as needed.

·         Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested and reports the findings to the PI.

·         Coordinates ordering lab supplies.

·         Trains RA1, students and new members of the lab in animal handling and experiments

·         Other duties as assigned.