Senior Research Assistant - Cell Therapy Institute

This position independently performs standard clinical testing in a clinical laboratory or similar setting. The role supports multidisciplinary patient care, quality control, and the use of laboratory instrumentation to produce analytical data from patient specimens. Responsibilities include performing waived clinical tests and protocols, preparing complex slide and specimen setups, reagents, sterile supplies, and stains, cutting and grinding tissue samples, evaluating and processing specimens, operating and troubleshooting equipment per protocol, generating reference testing manifests, and maintaining inventory.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with common cell lines, demonstrated expertise in virus production, and proven proficiency in primary cell culture techniques.

This position will be 100% onsite. The hours for this position will be Monday - Friday, but may include occasional weekend work to support projects and operations.

At MD Anderson, we offer careers built on care, growth, and balance. Our employees enjoy a benefits package designed to support every stage of life, starting on day one.

• 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

Job Specific Competencies

Technical Laboratory Duties

• Performs technical laboratory duties in accordance with a predetermined course of action.
• Assists with the development of novel ex vivo expansion strategies and treatments for cord blood derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
• Produce high-quality biological material and maintain the inventory, ensuring continuous availability.
• Liaison with other departments and outside institutions working on collaborative clinical research projects.
• Competence in the use of sterile technique and the use of Universal Precautions when handling potentially biohazardous clinical samples.
• Familiarity with appropriate literature in the field and willingness to learn and contribute ideas that might improve techniques.

Clinical / Research Protocol Maintenance

• Interpret and refine techniques with clinical research protocols.
• Familiarity with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) used in the clinic allowing the processing of clinical samples as required.

Administrative

• Assist with laboratory supply ordering.
• Maintenance and inventory of cell lines catalogues stored in liquid nitrogen tanks.
• Other duties assigned

Why Join MD Anderson

• Be part of a world‑renowned cancer center recognized for excellence in patient care, research and education.
• Work alongside leading specialists who are shaping the future of clinical and academic medicine.
• Grow your career with strong professional development and learning opportunities.
• Contribute to programs that directly impact patient outcomes and advance medical knowledge.
• Join a mission‑driven organization focused on improving lives through breakthrough care and innovation.