Research Assistant I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage start 1

PTO & holidays

Tuition Assistance Program

Pension benefits

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston seeks a Research Assistant I in the Genetics department to provide technical support for mouse developmental genetics and microscopy projects. The role collaborates with investigators to perform research activities, keep accurate records, and advance basic science discovery.

Bachelor's degree in natural or applied science is required; prior lab experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a natural or applied science required.
• Interest in developmental genetics, microscopy, histology, and image analysis.
• Prior laboratory experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Establish timed matings for mice to support genetics studies.
• Dissect embryos and developing organs for analysis.
• Perform fixation, histology prep, and staining procedures.
• Conduct whole mount immunofluorescence and tissue clearing.
• Operate confocal microscopy and acquire images.
• Process and analyze microscopy data, maintain notes.

Skills

Laboratory research

Microscopy

Image analysis

Histology

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or Applied Science

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Genetics department, located in the George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Sciences Research Building in the Texas Medical Center, researchers focus on advancing knowledge of the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate normal and abnormal cellular processes.

The Research Assistant I will provide technical support for projects related to mouse developmental genetics and microscopy. The Research Assistant I works closely with laboratory investigators to perform research activities, maintain accurate records, and support scientific discovery. This Research Assistant I role offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative basic science research in a collaborative laboratory environment at UT MD Anderson.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in a natural science or applied science research-related discipline and an interest in laboratory research involving developmental genetics, microscopy, histology, and image analysis. Prior laboratory experience is a plus.

Hourly Salary Range (based on a 40-hour work week): Minimum $18.99 - Midpoint $23.80 - Maximum $28.61

Work Location: Texas Medical Center

Work Schedule: Onsite

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, this role contributes directly to advancing scientific understanding of developmental genetics and cellular processes that may impact future cancer research and discoveries. Team members benefit from working alongside leading researchers in a collaborative environment while developing specialized laboratory and microscopy skills that support long-term professional growth and work-life balance.

• 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

• Establish timed matings for mice to support developmental genetics research studies.
• Dissect embryos and developing reproductive organs for research and experimental analysis.
• Perform embryo fixation, histology preparation, and routine staining procedures.
• Conduct whole mount immunofluorescence experiments and tissue clearing techniques.
• Operate confocal microscopy equipment and perform image acquisition.
• Process microscopy images using established laboratory procedures.
• Analyze imaging data to support research objectives and findings.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and active laboratory notes and research documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline

Work Experience

• Required: None
• Preferred: Prior laboratory experience

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

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 182855
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Day/Evening, Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 39,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 49,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 59,500
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes