Research Assistant I - Breast Surgical Oncology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension and retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Research Assistant to support translational and preclinical breast cancer research focused on molecular alterations, signaling pathways, and immune microenvironment changes that drive cancer development and progression.

Working under Professor Isabelle Bedrosian, M.D., you will help develop cancer prevention and immunoprevention strategies, including vaccines and other interventions, in a collaborative laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline.
• Up to two years of research experience in cancer biology, immunology, laboratory research, and mouse handling preferred.
• Strong analytical, logical-thinking, organizational, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical laboratory duties supporting translational and preclinical breast cancer research projects.
• Assist with studies focused on molecular alterations, signaling pathways, and immune microenvironment changes.
• Support evaluation of therapeutic and preventive strategies in laboratory and preclinical research settings.
• Contribute to cancer immunoprevention and cancer interception research initiatives.
• Prepare routine laboratory solutions and maintain organized lab spaces.
• Handle in vitro and preclinical mouse model research studies and vaccine testing.
• Utilize Excel/PowerPoint to organize and present data.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or Applied Science

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Assistant will support innovative translational and preclinical breast cancer research focused on understanding molecular alterations, deregulated signaling pathways, and immune microenvironment changes that contribute to cancer initiation and progression.

Within a multidisciplinary research program led by Professor Isabelle Bedrosian, M.D., the Research Assistant will contribute to the development and evaluation of cancer prevention and immunoprevention strategies, including mRNA- and peptide-based vaccines, chemopreventive agents, small-molecule inhibitors, and gene-therapy approaches. The Research Assistant plays an important role in advancing life-saving research while gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative laboratory environment at UT MD Anderson.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and self-driven individual with a Bachelor's Degree in a research-related natural science or applied science discipline and a strong academic background in biology, molecular biology, or immunology. Candidates with up to two years of research experience in cancer biology, immunology, laboratory research, and mouse handling are preferred. Individuals considering future advanced research training, such as a PhD program, and who demonstrate strong analytical, logical-thinking, organizational, computer, and teamwork skills will be well suited for this opportunity.

Salary: Minimum $39,500.00 - Midpoint $49,500.00 - Maximum $59,500.00

The typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8AM-5PM.

Work Location: Onsite

Why Us?

UT MD Anderson offers a unique opportunity to participate in paradigm-changing research focused on developing cancer prevention vaccines and advancing breast cancer prevention and treatment strategies. This role provides meaningful scientific experience, collaboration with leading researchers, exposure to translational and preclinical research, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing directly to research that has the potential to save lives.

Benefits

• 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 Support

• Perform technical laboratory duties supporting translational and preclinical breast cancer research projects
• Assist with studies focused on molecular alterations, signaling pathways, and immune microenvironment changes associated with cancer development
• Support evaluation of therapeutic and preventive strategies in laboratory and preclinical research settings
• Contribute to cancer immunoprevention and cancer interception research initiatives

Laboratory Operations

• Prepare routine laboratory solutions using knowledge of basic chemistry and mathematics
• Maintain laboratory areas in a clean, safe, and organized manner
• Follow general and project-specific laboratory procedures and protocols
• Ensure accuracy and attention to detail during all laboratory activities

Experimental Activities

• Assist with in vitro and preclinical mouse model research studies
• Support testing of mRNA- and peptide-based vaccines, chemopreventive agents, small-molecule inhibitors, and gene-therapy strategies
• Participate in studies involving vaccine optimization, including antigen selection, construct design, formulations, delivery platforms, dosing schedules, and administration routes
• Handle research-related laboratory tasks requiring analytical and logical problem-solving skills

Documentation & Technical Skills

• Utilize basic computer skills, including Excel and PowerPoint, to support research activities
• Organize and maintain research-related information and laboratory materials
• Apply basic mathematical skills to research and laboratory operations
• Support research projects through accurate recordkeeping and data management

Collaboration

• Work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team
• Demonstrate flexibility to accommodate research schedules and project needs
• Contribute to team-based scientific objectives and laboratory operations
• Maintain professional communication and collaboration with research staff

Education

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

Work Experience

• Required: None
• Preferred: Biology background and lab 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.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 182899
• 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: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: No
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: No