Research Investigator - Cell Therapy Institute

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within Cell Therapy Institute, the Research Investigator supports innovative research initiatives focused on the development, optimization, and translation of novel cell therapies. The Research Investigator collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to advance scientific discoveries toward clinical application while maintaining rigorous scientific and regulatory standards.

At UT MD Anderson, the Research Investigator plays a critical role in advancing cell therapy platforms from discovery through clinical translation. The Research Investigator contributes to laboratory research, process development, data analysis, and translational studies that support the mission of improving outcomes for patients through scientific innovation.

The Research Investigator will conduct independent and collaborative research supporting the development and translation of novel cell therapies. The individual will be responsible for designing and executing laboratory studies involving mammalian cell culture, optimizing experimental protocols, analyzing complex datasets, and contributing to preclinical and translational research initiatives. Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture and differentiation is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to advance cell therapy platforms from discovery through clinical translation while maintaining compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will have at least 4 - 5 years of relevant experience, including experience working with human stem cells and molecular biology.

Salary Range:  Minimum $59,000 - Midpoint $74,000 - Maximum $89,000
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday. May require working weekends depending on research operations. 
Work Location: Houston, Tx. This is an onsite position. 

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cell therapy research that supports the translation of scientific discoveries into potential clinical treatments. Team members collaborate with leading investigators and multidisciplinary experts while gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies, translational science, and process development in a mission-driven environment that supports professional growth and work-life balance.

• 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and optimize laboratory experiments supporting cell therapy research.
• Perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture techniques, including expansion, maintenance, characterization, and cryopreservation of primary and engineered cell populations.
• Develop, culture, maintain, and differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into immune or other therapeutic cell types (preferred).
• Assist in developing scalable manufacturing processes for cell therapy products.
• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques including flow cytometry, PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and other functional assays.
• Analyze, interpret, and document experimental results using appropriate statistical methods.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, protocols, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related materials.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and scientific discussions to develop research strategies.
• Collaborate with investigators, clinicians, bioinformaticians, and manufacturing teams to support translational research efforts.
• Assist with technology transfer activities between research laboratories and GMP manufacturing facilities.
• Contribute to SOP development, protocol optimization, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, laboratory safety, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Train and mentor laboratory personnel, students, and junior research staff as needed.

Preferred Technical Experience

• Mammalian cell culture and sterile laboratory techniques
• Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture, expansion, characterization, and differentiation
• Cell engineering methodologies including viral and non-viral gene delivery
• Immune cell biology (NK cells, T cells, macrophages, or related cell types)
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, cloning, western blotting)
• Microscopy and imaging techniques
• Experience supporting IND-enabling or translational research
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing and documentation (preferred)
• Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Experimental design and statistical data analysis

Performs other duties as assigned.