Research Assistant I - Body Imaging Research

MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

PTO & holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston seeks a Research Assistant I to support translational cancer imaging research and improve patient outcomes through advanced imaging analysis. The role focuses on segmentation of metastases on CT and MRI for kidney cancer, collaboration with imaging and data teams, and contributing to non-invasive imaging research and precision medicine initiatives.

Ideal candidates have a relevant bachelor’s degree and interest in translational cancer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in natural/applied science with radiology exposure.

Responsibilities

• Perform segmentation of metastases in CT/MRI for patients with metastatic kidney cancer.
• Apply imaging analysis techniques to support translational cancer research initiatives.
• Coordinate research data acquisition and analysis across multidisciplinary projects.
• Collaborate with imaging, AI, data science and statistics teams.

Skills

Medical image annotation

Segmentation

RECIST assessments

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree Natural Science or Applied Science

Job description

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Department of Abdominal Imaging consists of more than 70 fellowship-trained radiologists who provide comprehensive diagnostic imaging services to screen, diagnose, stage, and monitor patients with known or suspected malignancies using state-of-the-art imaging technology. Research Assistant I will support innovative translational cancer research within a highly collaborative environment focused on advancing imaging science and improving patient outcomes.

UT MD Anderson is at the forefront of translational cancer research through the Pedrosa Laboratory, which develops and validates novel imaging approaches for clinical applications. Research Assistant I will contribute to research focused on metastatic organotropism in kidney cancer and its relationship with molecular alterations and treatment response. Research Assistant I will work alongside imaging scientists, artificial intelligence scientists, data scientists, statisticians, imaging experts, and multidisciplinary collaborators to advance precision medicine through non-invasive imaging research.

The ideal candidate will possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D. degree or a bachelor's degree in a basic science discipline, with formal radiology training, preferably completion of a radiology residency, or significant experience in medical image annotation and segmentation for clinical trials, including RECIST assessments. Experience working independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary research teams and a strong interest in translational cancer research are highly desirable.

Why Us?

This role provides an opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge cancer research that seeks to improve diagnosis, treatment selection, and patient outcomes through innovative imaging and artificial intelligence techniques. At UT MD Anderson, team members collaborate with leading experts across disciplines, gain exposure to advanced research methodologies, and support discoveries that impact cancer care worldwide while building valuable research and analytical skills.

• 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

Research Imaging Analysis

• Perform segmentation of metastases throughout the body using CT examinations of patients with metastatic kidney cancer
• Perform segmentation of metastases throughout the body using MRI examinations of patients with metastatic kidney cancer
• Apply imaging analysis techniques to support translational cancer research initiatives
• Learn and utilize new imaging analysis methodologies, including artificial intelligence-based approaches

Research Operations & Data Management

• Coordinate research data acquisition activities for laboratory studies
• Support research data analysis activities across multidisciplinary projects
• Maintain research documentation and records to support study activities

Study Support

• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing and future research projects
• Support planning and implementation of research studies
• Collaborate with imaging scientists, artificial intelligence scientists, data scientists, statisticians, and imaging experts
• Work with collaborators across UT MD Anderson and external institutions on research initiatives

Reporting & Scientific Communication

• Assist in the creation of tables for presentations, publications, and grant applications
• Assist in the creation of graphs for presentations, publications, and grant applications
• Support dissemination of research findings through scientific and academic materials

Research Focus

• Contribute to research investigating metastatic organotropism in kidney cancer
• Support studies evaluating relationships between molecular alterations and metastatic disease patterns
• Assist with research examining likelihood of response to different therapeutic regimens
• Participate in projects designed to advance precision medicine through non-invasive imaging tools

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: None

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: 183027
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: 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: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes