Senior Research Assistant - Neurosurgery - Research

The Neurosurgery department has developed a world-class clinical program to manage all aspects of neurosurgical oncology, including complex brain and skull base tumors, spinal tumors, and intractable, cancer-related pain disorders. We work to discover new imaging and surgical techniques and methods to effectively treat and manage pain. The goal of our research is to improve survival rates and quality of life for our patients. 

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on mouse handling experience, demonstrated competency in laboratory techniques, proficiency in cell culture, and foundational skills in molecular biology.

This position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some flexibility may be required. Weekend work may be needed as necessary.

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

Molecular Biology and Cellular Biology Procedures
This role requires foundational knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques to assist with various cancer biology experiments. Key responsibilities include:

• Performing tissue and cell culture, including maintaining multiple cancer cell lines.
• Processing fresh tissue samples.
• Maintaining accurate logs of research samples and managing their distribution.

Mice Work
Candidates should have basic experience working with experimental mice, including:

• Measuring tumor growth.
• Harvesting tumor samples.
• Conducting immunohistochemistry (IHC) using paraffin‑embedded tissue sections.

General Laboratory Duties
This role involves a range of essential lab support tasks, including:

• Demonstrating a willingness to learn and perform additional laboratory methods and techniques as needed.
• Flexibility in work hours when experiments require it.
• Learning proper procedures to operate various laboratory equipment.
• Recording and maintaining a centralized repository of all molecular biology reagents and biospecimens.
• Accurately labeling and logging samples.
• Maintaining appropriate stock levels of laboratory supplies.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Other duties as assigned. 

Why Join MD Anderson

• Be part of a world‑class Neurosurgery program advancing innovative imaging, surgical, and pain‑management approaches that directly impact patient survival and quality of life.
• Work in a cutting‑edge research environment with hands‑on involvement in genetically engineered mouse models, translational oncology studies, and scientific discovery.
• Grow your career with exceptional benefits starting day one, including zero‑premium medical coverage, paid leave programs, and comprehensive wellness resources.
• Access robust professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance, scientific presentation experience, and exposure to high‑impact publications.
• Build a meaningful career at a mission-driven institution consistently ranked among the top cancer centers in the world, where your work supports life‑changing patient outcomes.