Research Assistant I Genitourinary Med Oncology- Research

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 from 1+

PTO and holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension and retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Research Assistant I to support laboratory-based and translational cancer research. The role focuses on bone metastasis, in vivo imaging, and tissue engineering using cell culture, small animal models, and advanced imaging technologies.

You will generate data, maintain lab operations, and collaborate with researchers in GU Medical Oncology Research. A Bachelor's in a science field is required; prior GU Oncology experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline.
• None required but preferred: experience in GU Medical Oncology.

Responsibilities

• Culture tumor cells, NK cells, and 3D tissue-engineered cultures.
• Perform immunofluorescence experiments.
• Conduct in vivo bioluminescence imaging of small animals and analyze data.
• Handle small animal procedures and management.
• Operate multiphoton, confocal, and epifluorescence microscopes to acquire images.
• Perform data analysis and image processing (ImageJ, MATLAB).

Skills

Cell culture

Immunofluorescence

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Natural Science or Applied Science

Tools

ImageJ

MATLAB

Microscopy platforms

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned institution dedicated to cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Assistant I role supports critical scientific discovery through laboratory-based and translational research activities that advance understanding of cancer biology and treatment.

Within GU Medical Oncology Research, the Research Assistant I contributes to research focused on bone metastasis, in vivo imaging, and tissue engineering. The Research Assistant I works with advanced imaging technologies, cell culture systems, and animal models to support ongoing scientific investigations. The Research Assistant I plays an important role in generating high-quality research data, maintaining laboratory operations, and supporting collaborative research efforts across UT MD Anderson.

The ideal candidate will possess education and experience supporting laboratory research in cancer biology, imaging, tissue engineering, cell culture, or related scientific disciplines. Experience with small animal studies, microscopy platforms, image analysis software, laboratory inventory management, and scientific communication is preferred.

Why Us?

• 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.

Key Functions

• Performs cell culture of tumor cell lines, NK cells and 3D tissue-engineered cultures based on polymeric scaffolds for organotypic tumor growth in vitro
• Performs immunofluorescence experiments
• Performs basic imaging bioluminescence experiments of small animals independently and analyzes data
• Performs small animal manipulation, treatment and management
• Operates independently microscopes (multiphoton, confocal and epifluorescence) to acquire images and time lapse analysis
• Independently performs analysis
• Basic knowledge on software and macro programming (e.g. ImageJ, Matlab) and image stitching and post processing preferred
• Optional: knowledge on CAD design of hardware, basic knowledge of cancer cell biology

Communicates information:

• Must be able to communicate results to and understand instructions from the supervisors and coworkers.
• Clear and accurate communication in English both face-to-face and over the telephone is required.
• A willingness to cooperate with other staff, students, fellows and visitors is essential.

Computer literacy (other than above):

• Needs to be capable of generating electronic versions of data and images for analysis and presentation. Experience in cloud-based image and data management is preferred.

Laboratory Inventory management:

• Must be able to manage inventories and order material for the laboratory in a timely fashion. Must work with department members and collaborators to ensure the consistent flow of information and quality control.

Marginal Functions:

Conduct Library Work:

• Reads and understands articles related to ongoing technical research.

Shipments:

• Must be able to assemble instruments, samples, reagents, dry or wet ice, data and packaging materials.
• Draft a cover letter, accurately and legibly fill out shipping labels
• Carry package to receiving area on ground floor prior to carrier pickup.
• Keep accurate and legible logs of outgoing and incoming packages.
• For incoming packages: ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify principal investigator.
• Update pertinent inventory logs and patient tissue logs in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION:

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

EXPERIENCE:

• Required: None.
• Preferred: Experience working in GU Medical Oncology.

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: 183508
• 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: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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