Senior Research Assistant - Mouse Models

The Translational Molecular Pathology department at MD Anderson Cancer Center is at the forefront of bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical application to advance cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This team plays a critical role in translating complex molecular and immunological research into meaningful insights that directly impact patient care.

As a Senior Research Assistant, you will contribute to innovative preclinical and translational research, with a strong emphasis on mouse models, animal studies, and molecular analysis techniques. This role is ideal for individuals who are highly technical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently while managing multiple research projects.

In this position, you will support the planning and execution of animal experiments, including mouse breeding, colony maintenance, model development, and preclinical drug and carcinogen studies. You will perform tissue collection and assist in downstream molecular and immunological analyses such as flow cytometry, qPCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and cell culture techniques. Success in this role requires the ability to independently execute experiments while collaborating with leadership to develop and refine research protocols.

You will also play a key role in laboratory operations, including maintaining compliance with safety and EHS standards, managing inventory, and contributing to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new assays and platforms. Your ability to stay organized and ensure operational efficiency will directly support ongoing research productivity.

Collaboration is a core component of this role. You will work closely with internal and external research teams, assist in training staff and students, and contribute to the advancement of laboratory capabilities by helping implement new techniques. Additionally, you will be responsible for presenting research findings in meetings and assisting with reports, publications, and grant-related materials.

Strong data management skills are essential, as you will maintain detailed experimental records, perform quality control and assurance, and analyze data using tools such as Excel, Prism, and other scientific software. Your ability to clearly communicate results and support scientific reporting will be key to the success of ongoing projects.

This role offers the opportunity to be deeply involved in cutting-edge translational research, supporting studies that have a direct pathway to improving cancer outcomes.

MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, and additional benefits, along with opportunities for professional growth and development within a world-renowned cancer research institution.

**The ideal candidate will have extensive mouse model/animal colony experience.**

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Technical Functions  

Perform animal experiments including carcinogen and drug injections, collection of samples and tissues from mice, breeding and generating animal models, genotyping, performing assays including flow cytometry, QPCR, western blotting, and cell culture. Function in an independent manner.
Discusses goals of each project with supervisor; with the help of supervisor, develops a step-by-step written procedure outlining the experiment.
Ability to work on several research projects concurrently in an independent manner.

Laboratory Operation  

Carry out lab duties that include purchasing, organization, EHS compliance and lab safety.
Responsible for major participation in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new platforms and assays
Monitors and maintains supply inventory so that work flow is not negatively affected.

Collaboration and Presentation  

Interacts and participates in collaborative studies inside and outside MD Anderson. 
Trains other research personnel and students on established assays, and use of laboratory equipment
Presents research data at internal and external meetings and conferences
Prepare final reports in the format requested for the data generated by suggested due date  
Willingness to learn and to help others in the implementation of new techniques

Data Maintenance  

Enter and maintain data from research activities in notebook/computer databases as appropriate. 
Performs and documents all required quality control/quality assurance.
Maintains accurate, detailed records and experimental data and protocols
Prepares graphs, slides and tables via photography, computer, or manually.
Collaborates or assists supervisor and senior research staff with preparation of reports and grant requests.
Acquires and maintains proficiency in computer functions.
Able to work with database, graphing and word processing computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Word and Prism
Must be able to fully communicate results and understand instructions from principal investigator and colleagues.
 

Enter and maintain data from research activities in notebook/computer databases as appropriate.
Performs and documents all required quality control/quality assurance.
Maintains accurate, detailed records and experimental data and protocols
Prepares graphs, slides and tables via photography, computer, or manually.
Collaborates or assists supervisor and senior research staff with preparation of reports and grant requests.
Acquires and maintains proficiency in computer functions.
Able to work with database, graphing and word processing computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Word and Prism
Must be able to fully communicate results and understand instructions from principal investigator and colleagues.