Research Assistant I

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 60,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage from 1-

PTO and holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Research Assistant I to coordinate and conduct experiments across multiple biomedical disciplines. You will read literature, discuss procedures with supervisors, and adjust methods to meet project goals while recording and evaluating data.

The role emphasizes molecular biology techniques and basic bioinformatics; work is onsite at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, TX.

Qualifications

Required: Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or Applied Science.
Preferred: Experience with basic molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics.
Strong ability to read literature and modify procedures as needed.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and conduct experiments across chemistry, biology, physics, and biomedical sciences.
Read scientific literature and confer with supervisors regarding new procedures.
Modify procedures to support project objectives and ensure data quality.
Record, organize, and evaluate experimental data using requested methods.

Skills

Experiment coordination

Literature review

Data recording

Bioinformatics (basic)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or Applied Science

Tools

Immunofluorescence

Fluorescence microscopy

FACS (flow cytometry)

PCR

Western blotting

Job description

MD Anderson's Cancer Biology department has a long history of being a leader in the field of basic and translational cancer biology research. The department emphasizes the training of students, postdoctoral fellows and clinical fellows in the fundamentals of tumor biology to improve the outcomes of patients with malignancies. The department has built a program with close ties to many clinical departments to facilitate information exchange between the laboratory and the clinic. As such, faculty in the department are investigators on NIH-funded collaborative cancer biology research grants called "Specialized Programs of Research Excellence" (SPOREs). In addition, there are several physician-scientists who have joint appointments in Cancer Biology, facilitating the exchange of clinically relevant information between the laboratory and the clinic.

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I is to coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of chemistry, biology, physics and other biomedical or related basic science areas. Construct, assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Read literature and confer with superiors regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project. Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested.

The ideal candidate experience with basic molecular biology techniques or bioinformatic skills is considered a plus and may support success in this research-focused environment.

Minimum $18.99/hour - Midpoint $23.80/hour - Maximum $28.61/hour Work Location: Texas Medical Center Schedule: Onsite

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to impactful cancer research while working alongside leading scientists and clinicians in a collaborative academic environment. The position provides hands‑on training in advanced laboratory techniques, supports professional development, and enables meaningful contributions to discoveries that may improve patient outcomes.

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

Support Research Activities

Coordinate and conduct experiments across chemistry, biology, physics, biomedical, and related scientific disciplines
Read scientific literature and confer with supervisors regarding new procedures and research methods
Modify research procedures as needed to support project objectives
Record, organize, and evaluate experimental data using requested methodologies

Animal Research Support

Handle and maintain mouse colonies
Perform mouse biopsies and genotyping procedures
Assist with skin surgery procedures in animal models
Complete related animal research tasks as assigned

Laboratory Operations

Assist with day-to-day laboratory operations
Review laboratory needs and recommend purchases based on anticipated workload
Process laboratory purchasing activities and communicate with vendors
Maintain laboratory inventory and operational readiness

Equipment Management & Compliance

Oversee laboratory equipment usage and maintenance activities
Coordinate repair and servicing of laboratory equipment
Support laboratory compliance requirements
Maintain compliance with Environmental Health and Safety standards
Maintain compliance with HIPAA requirements

Technical Laboratory Procedures

Perform and receive training in human and mouse tissue culture techniques
Perform immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence microscopy procedures
Assist with fluorescence-activated cell sorting activities
Conduct basic molecular biology procedures involving RNA, DNA, and proteins
Perform Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: None
Preferred: Experience with basic molecular biology techniques. Prior bioinformatic skills is a plus.

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.

Additional Information