Research Assistant I

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage starting day one

Paid holidays and PTO

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Research Assistant I in the Immunology department to plan and carry out laboratory and clinical research projects. A Bachelor's degree in a natural or related science and prior lab experience are required, with immunology coursework a plus.

The role involves tissue culture, basic immunology techniques, and mouse research under approved protocols. Onsite work at Texas Medical Center, with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a natural or applied science is required.
• Prior laboratory experience is preferred and immunology coursework is a plus.
• Experience with immunology laboratory techniques is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines using sterile technique.
• Prepare cells for storage and cryogenic re-establishment.
• Perform basic immunological assays and immunofluorescent staining.
• Conduct ELISA, Western blotting, and DNA/RNA isolation.
• Support mouse research and maintain breeding colonies.

Skills

Immunology knowledge

Laboratory experience

Microscopy

Hemocytometer

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or related field

Tools

Tissue culture techniques

Job description

The Immunology department at MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks to determine the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of a wide range of processes by which the body recognizes and eliminates pathogens and use these findings to unleash the patient's own immune system against previously treatment-resistant cancers. Treating the immune system rather than the cancer itself, the therapeutics developed are applicable to many cancers.

The Research Assistant I will apply technical expertise and experience to plan and carry out laboratory and/or clinical research projects in the research lab.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's Degree in a natural science, applied science, or related research discipline and demonstrate prior laboratory experience. Experience with immunology coursework or immunology laboratory techniques is a plus.

Minimum $18.99/hour - Midpoint $23.80/hour - Maximum $28.61/hour

Work Location: Texas Medical Center

The typical work schedule is Onsite.

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking immunology research that supports the development of innovative cancer therapies. Team members gain hands‑on experience with advanced laboratory techniques, animal research models, and collaborative scientific projects while building valuable skills in a world‑renowned research environment that supports professional growth and meaningful work.

• 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

Tissue Culture

• Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines using proper sterile technique.
• Determine cell counts and cell viability using a microscope and hemocytometer.
• Prepare sterile media and laboratory solutions.
• Monitor, order, and stock tissue culture supplies.
• Prepare cells for cryogenic storage and re‑establishment of viable cell lines.
• Package and ship cell lines to collaborators using dry ice.
• Coordinate coverage to ensure continuous maintenance of cell lines, including weekends and holidays when required.

Laboratory Maintenance & Research Support

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Order laboratory supplies and maintain inventory levels.
• Coordinate vendor service requests as needed.
• Perform bi‑weekly wipe tests.
• Coordinate radioactive waste disposal.
• Follow written laboratory instructions and operational procedures.
• Perform basic immunological research techniques in vivo and in vitro.
• Conduct immunofluorescent staining.
• Perform ELISA assays.
• Conduct Western blotting and SDS‑PAGE procedures.
• Isolate DNA and RNA.
• Prepare plasmids for research applications.
• Perform gene cloning.
• Operate PCR equipment.
• Assist with other laboratory duties as assigned.

Mouse Research Activities

• Work with live mice in accordance with approved research protocols.
• Understand and follow IACUC regulations and approved animal use procedures.
• Complete required institutional training on animal husbandry, handling, euthanasia, hazard disposal, and veterinary care.
• Assist with maintenance of breeding colonies for three mouse strains.
• Maintain detailed records of mouse inventory and breeding activities.
• Perform tail snipping or bleeding procedures for genotyping.
• Wean litters and support colony management activities.
• Monitor tumor growth during experimental studies.
• Provide occasional weekend coverage to support ongoing monitoring requirements.
• Harvest tissues from mice.
• Prepare single‑cell suspensions for downstream assays.
• 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; Prior Immunology didactic or laboratory experience 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

• Requisition ID: 183120
• 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

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