Research Assistant I – Translational Molecular Pathology

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Merit increases

Pension contribution

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Research Assistant 1 to support translational molecular pathology research focused on cancer. You will assist with day-to-day animal experiments, breeding, weaning, ear tagging, and tissue collection, while maintaining accurate records and inventory in digital databases.

This role offers hands-on experience in animal-based research, including IP injection and oral gavage, with opportunities for professional growth and development

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science or Applied Science or related field.
• No prior work experience required; willingness to learn on the job.
• Excellent record-keeping and attention to detail required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day animal experiments and support breeding, weaning and ear tagging.
• Prepare tail vein samples for genotyping and assist with intraperitoneal or oral gavage drug administration.
• Collect tissues from mice at defined time points and maintain accurate experimental records.
• Maintain mouse inventories and demographic data in digital databases; document specimen details and processing steps.
• Monitor supplies, equipment, and reagent stock; prepare stock solutions and assist with orders.
• Share general responsibility for animal care and lab maintenance; follow procedures to ensure quality and integrity of work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mouse handling

Genotyping

IP injection

Oral gavage

Tissue collection

Data entry

Lab safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science or Applied Science

Tools

Database management

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

Research Laboratory Functions

• 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