Research Assistant I - Translational Molecular Pathology

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

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Research Assistant 1 to support Translational Molecular Pathology. The role involves day-to-day animal experiments, biospecimen handling, and data management in a collaborative research setting focused on cancer science.

Responsibilities include breeding mice, sample collection, and assisting with treatments. A Bachelor's degree in a science field is required; no prior work experience is specified.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a research-related discipline is required.
• Experience with animal research is helpful but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping for biospecimens is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct day-to-day animal experiments including breeding, weaning, ear tagging, and sample collections.
• Assist with in vivo treatments via intraperitoneal injection or oral gavage.
• Maintain accurate research data and mouse inventory in digital databases.
• Support general lab maintenance and ensure adequate supplies and reagents.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or Applied Science

Job description

Join MD Anderson's Translational Molecular Pathology team as a Research Assistant 1 and gain valuable hands‑on experience supporting research focused on advancing our understanding of cancer. You'll contribute to day‑to‑day laboratory activities involving animal research, biospecimen collection, research data, and laboratory operations while working alongside scientists in a collaborative research environment.

What's in it for you? This role provides an opportunity to develop practical skills in animal‑based research, including mouse breeding, weaning and ear tagging, genotyping preparation, treatment administration through intraperitoneal injection and oral gavage, and tissue collection at defined time points. You'll gain exposure to the research processes that help investigators generate high‑quality specimens and data for translational studies.

You'll also play an important role in maintaining accurate research records and biospecimen information. From tracking mouse inventories and documenting specimen details, dates, and processing activities to monitoring laboratory supplies, equipment needs, stock solutions, and reagent orders, your attention to detail will help ensure the research team has the resources and information needed to conduct its work effectively.

At MD Anderson, you'll also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, an annual merit increase program, annual incentive opportunities, an employer‑funded pension contribution, medical/dental/vision coverage, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

If you're interested in building hands‑on research skills and contributing to innovative cancer science, this is an opportunity to grow your laboratory expertise while making an impact at MD Anderson.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• The RA-I will be responsible for day‑to‑day animal experiments:
• Animal breeding to acquire specific mouse genotypes.
• Animal weaning and ear tagging, as well as preparing tail vein samples for genotyping by the group.
• Assist with routine animal experiments, such as treatment of mice with chemical compounds and drugs intraperitoneally or by oral gavage.
• Perform and/or assist the group in collection of tissues form mice at specific time points.

Data and Biospecimen Maintenance

• Maintenance and monitoring of all research data activities, and keeping record into the database.
• Maintains accurate and up‑to‑date mouse inventory in our digital databases, with special emphasis in taking accurate, sample descriptions, time(s) and dates of all specimens received, processed and stored by/from all animals.

General Laboratory Maintenance & Supplies

• Assumes shared responsibility for general animal maintenance by a) maintaining procedures and protocols that ensure the quality and integrity of procedures performed, b) monitoring work flow as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance and preparation of stock solutions, c) keeping ample stock of supplies on hand, d) following up on orders to ensure organization and accessibility of all reagents.

Other duties as assigned

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: 182991
• 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

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