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Senior Research Assistant - Leukemia
Senior Research Assistant
The Senior Research Assistant position supports the Leukemia department by contributing to basic and translational research focused on epigenetic mechanisms, cancer biology, and leukemia-specific disease models. The Senior Research Assistant plays a critical role in executing complex laboratory procedures, supporting animal studies, and ensuring high-quality experimental outcomes in collaboration with principal investigators and research teams.
The Senior Research Assistant role at MD Anderson Cancer Center contributes directly to advancing laboratory discoveries that inform cancer treatment and prevention. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Senior Research Assistant is integral to maintaining rigorous scientific standards, regulatory compliance, and laboratory safety while supporting ongoing leukemia research initiatives.
The ideal candidate for the Senior Research Assistant role has a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, hands-on laboratory and animal research experience, and the ability to independently manage research tasks while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
The minimum salary is $51,500.00, the midpoint salary is $64,500.00, and the maximum salary is $77,500.00, which equates to approximately Minimum $24.76 – Midpoint $31.01 – Maximum $37.26 per hour based on a 40-hour work week.
Why Us?
The Senior Research Assistant role offers the opportunity to support impactful leukemia research at one of the world’s leading cancer centers while developing advanced scientific and technical expertise in a collaborative research environment that values safety, integrity, and professional growth.
• 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
Molecular and Cellular Research
Perform molecular biology and biochemistry procedures including DNA and RNA preparation, PCR, DNA cloning, protein synthesis, electrophoresis, plasmid DNA preparation, and transfection
Conduct gene expression analyses using QPCR, microarrays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and yeast two-hybrid systems
Evaluate protein biochemistry using two-dimensional gels and confocal microscopy
Culture and maintain human leukemia and lymphoma cell lines
Animal and In Vivo Studies
Work with laboratory animals including mice and rats in accordance with approved protocols
Perform interventional procedures such as tail vein injections and orthotopic implantations
Monitor and maintain PDX mouse models, including daily monitoring in the mouse facility
Perform xenogen camera imaging and MRI to assess leukemia and tumor burden
Harvest blood, spleen, and bone marrow samples from euthanized animals
Research Operations and Collaboration
Provide laboratory services including tissue culture, processing research samples, and cataloging specimens
Collaborate with principal investigators, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and staff on experimental design and results
Interpret experimental data, compile data sheets, and modify procedures as needed
Conduct literature searches, read and understand scientific articles, and maintain reference files
Regulatory, Inventory, and Logistics
Take responsibility for making minor amendments to IRB, IBC, and IACUC protocols
Retrieve, maintain, and catalog specimen stocks from outside reference laboratories
Assemble and ship research samples, reagents, and data using proper packaging and documentation
Maintain accurate logs for incoming and outgoing packages and update inventory records
Equipment, Safety, and Compliance
Perform daily monitoring of laboratory equipment including freezers, refrigerators, and incubators
Conduct routine cleaning, disinfection, and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment
Handle radioisotopes and perform standard radiographic techniques, including dark room usage
Comply with institutional safety policies, Universal Precautions, and OSHA standards when handling hazardous materials
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Basic sciences.
- Preferred: Medical Degree or PhD
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required: Three years Scientific or experimental research work experience or
One year Required experience 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
