Research Assistant I - Leukemia

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 60,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage

PTO & holidays

Tuition Assistance Program

Pension plan

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, is seeking a Research Assistant I to support leukemia research through biospecimen handling, processing, and banking. The role emphasizes maintaining specimen quality, accurate documentation, and regulatory compliance in a busy laboratory environment.

Ideal candidates will have education and experience in laboratory operations, tissue culture, and cryopreservation, with a willingness to work in an onsite setting and participate in

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in basic science required.
Experience with biospecimen processing or storage preferred.
Familiarity with laboratory safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

Maintain tissue culture cell lines using sterile techniques.
Perform cell counts and viability assessments.
Manage specimen receipt, processing, and cryopreservation.
Track specimens and inventory in biorepository systems.
Ensure documentation and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Tissue culture

Specimen processing

Cryopreservation

Biospecimen banking

Data documentation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree Basic Science

Tools

Hemocytometer

Coulter counter

Laboratory databases

Biorepository systems

Job description

Research Assistant I

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Leukemia department, the Research Assistant I supports laboratory and biorepository operations that are essential to advancing leukemia research through the collection, processing, preservation, and management of biological specimens.

The Research Assistant I plays a key role in maintaining specimen quality, supporting laboratory workflows, and ensuring accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. The Research Assistant I collaborates with laboratory staff to support specimen banking, inventory management, and routine research laboratory activities that contribute to the mission of UT MD Anderson.

The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant I role will have education and experience that support laboratory operations, biospecimen processing, specimen banking, data documentation, and adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory standards. Individuals with exposure to tissue culture techniques, specimen processing, cryopreservation, inventory management, and research laboratory environments are encouraged to apply.

Salary: Min $39,500 Mid $49,500 Max $59,500

The typical work schedule is Days.

Work Location: Onsite

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.

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.

Responsibilities

Specimen Receipt, Processing & Banking

Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines using sterile laboratory techniques.
Observe and identify cell changes under a microscope to support culture maintenance.
Perform cell counts using a hemocytometer or coulter counter.
Perform specimen aliquoting, labeling, cryopreservation, and storage procedures.
Maintain specimen integrity and chain of custody throughout processing activities.
Ensure specimens are processed within established timelines to preserve quality and viability.
Retrieve and distribute banked specimens for approved research studies and laboratory requests.

Laboratory Operations

Perform routine laboratory procedures under supervision including PBMC and BMMC isolation.
Conduct cell counting and viability assessments.
Perform cryopreservation activities for research specimens.
Support specimen inventory management and tracking activities.
Prepare laboratory reagents, media, supplies, and materials required for daily operations.
Maintain laboratory equipment, work areas, and storage facilities in a clean and organized manner.
Follow laboratory safety procedures, biosafety practices, and institutional guidelines at all times.

Data Management & Documentation

Maintain accurate and complete records of specimen collection, processing, storage locations, and distribution activities.
Enter specimen and inventory information into laboratory databases, biorepository systems, and tracking logs.
Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained according to institutional and regulatory requirements.
Assist with inventory reconciliation activities.
Support routine audits of banked specimens.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Adhere to institutional policies, laboratory SOPs, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice principles, biosafety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Identify and report specimen discrepancies, quality concerns, and equipment issues to supervisory personnel.
Maintain specimen traceability throughout the specimen lifecycle.
Protect the confidentiality of patient information.
Support compliance with quality assurance and laboratory operational requirements.

Supply Inventory, Equipment & Safety

Assist with monitoring laboratory supply levels and communicate inventory needs to supervisory staff.
Support receipt, storage, and organization of laboratory supplies and consumables.
Manually operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
Review equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals as necessary.
Lift and carry items up to 20-25 pounds and transport materials within the laboratory using a roller cart.
Comply with institutional safety policies, Universal Precautions, and OSHA standards when handling toxic, hazardous, flammable, radioactive, infectious, or carcinogenic materials.
Utilize required personal protective equipment including gloves, eye protection, face masks, gowns, and lab coats.
Work with equipment such as fume hoods and biological safety cabinets when required.

EDUCATION