Graduate Student - Systems Biology

UT MD Anderson; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

UT MD Anderson is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant in Houston, Texas. This position focuses on performing established epigenomic profiling workflows on FFPE tissue samples. Candidates with prior laboratory experience in chromatin and epigenomic assays are encouraged to apply.

The role offers structured training in enzyme-tethering methods and opportunities for hands-on experience in a research-intensive environment, contributing to advancements in tissue biology.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a graduate-level training program in a relevant biomedical or life science discipline.
• Prior hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology or related area.
• Experience with epigenomic profiling techniques preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform established epigenomic profiling workflows on FFPE tissue samples.
• Conduct experiments adhering to established protocols.
• Collaborate with laboratory manager and maintain high-quality records.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Laboratory experience in molecular biology

Chromatin biology

Epigenetics

Education

Graduate-level training in biomedical or life sciences

Tools

Histology tools

Microscopy

Job description

Overview

This graduate research assistant position is a wet-lab training role that will primarily focus on performing established epigenomic profiling workflows on FFPE tissue samples. The position is best suited for a graduate student with prior laboratory exposure to chromatin or epigenomic assays, especially enzyme-tethering methods such as CUT&RUN and CUT&Tag. Candidates with additional background in histology, pathology, tissue handling, or microscopy-based tissue interpretation are especially encouraged to apply.

Laboratory Focus

The laboratory studies epigenomic regulation in tissue specimens using enzyme-tethering chromatin profiling technologies, with a particular emphasis on CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, and related profiling methods. A major focus of the group is the application of these methods to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and other clinically relevant specimens, with integration of pathology-guided tissue assessment and downstream molecular profiling.

Compliance

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Learning Objectives

The Graduate Research Assistant will receive structured training and hands-on experience in epigenomic profiling of tissue specimens, especially FFPE-derived samples, using established laboratory protocols. Under supervision, the trainee will learn to perform core experimental steps involved in enzyme-tethering chromatin profiling workflows, including tissue/sample handling, nuclei or chromatin preparation where applicable, antibody-based targeting, library preparation support, experimental quality control, and careful protocol documentation.

A second major learning objective is the development of pathology-informed experimental judgment. The trainee will gain exposure to how tissue morphology, sample quality, and pathology context inform specimen prioritization, experimental feasibility, and interpretation of molecular profiling results. Through this process, the student will strengthen their ability to connect histologic or pathology-derived information with epigenomic assay design and sample processing decisions.

The trainee will also gain experience in rigorous laboratory workflow execution at scale, including reproducible protocol adherence, sample tracking, organization of batch experiments, communication with the laboratory manager, and maintenance of high-quality experimental records. Because the laboratory integrates wet-lab and computational research, the student will have the opportunity to learn the basic principles of downstream data processing and to interact with computational group members to understand how experimental quality affects data analysis and biological interpretation.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected learning outcomes include: proficiency in established enzyme-tethering epigenomic profiling workflows; improved understanding of FFPE tissue handling and pathology-guided profiling; stronger experimental organization and reproducibility skills; and broader appreciation of how molecular profiling data are generated, analyzed, and interpreted in the context of tissue biology.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be currently enrolled in, or eligible for appointment within, a graduate-level training program in a relevant biomedical or life science discipline. This is a primarily experimental wet-lab position, and candidates should have prior hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, chromatin biology, epigenetics, genomics, or a related area.

Strong preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in epigenomic profiling experiments, especially CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, CUTAC, or other enzyme-tethering chromatin profiling methods. Prior familiarity with these techniques is preferred.

Additional preferred qualifications include experience with one or more of the following: tissue processing, FFPE specimens, histology, pathology-related laboratory workflows, microscopy-based tissue assessment, library preparation, nucleic acid handling, or structured laboratory recordkeeping.

Candidates should demonstrate strong attention to detail, the ability to follow established protocols precisely, good organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with the laboratory manager and other team members.

Additional Application Information

Email the following to Dr. Ye Zheng at [e-mail].

• a cover letter describing detailed past experience with the enzyme-tethering epigenomic profiling experiments, such as CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, and CUTAC.
• a curriculum vitae
• emails and phone numbers of a list of three references that can best describe your experimental and research skills

Position Information

Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.

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.