Research Assistant II

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage on day one

PTO and holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Wellness program

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston seeks a Research Assistant II in Dr. Yun's Laboratory to provide technical and organizational support for research projects and general laboratory operations.

The role includes daily mouse-related work, colony maintenance, genotyping, and assisting with mouse experiments under PI/postdoctoral fellows. Strong communication, reliability, and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Science.
• Preferred: Master’s Degree in Basic Science and a Medical Degree.

Responsibilities

• Organize, handle, monitor, and maintain mouse colonies.
• Coordinate mouse breeding activities and colony maintenance.
• Perform genotyping procedures.
• Conduct basic non-invasive and invasive mouse procedures under approved protocols.
• Assist with mouse experiments conducted by laboratory personnel.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures and biological experiments.
• Learn to operate laboratory equipment and perform operator maintenance.
• Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records.

Skills

Mouse work

Genotyping

Lab procedures

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree Basic Science

Master's Degree Basic Science

Medical Degree

Job description

Genetics is a basic science department located in the George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Sciences Research Building at the world-renowned UT MD Anderson in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. The focus is on advancing knowledge of the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate normal and abnormal cellular processes.

The Research Assistant II in Dr. Yun's Laboratory will provide technical and organizational support for research projects and general laboratory operations. The Research Assistant II performs daily mouse-related work, including colony maintenance, breeding coordination, genotyping, independent mouse procedures, and assistance with mouse experiments conducted by other team members. Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI) and postdoctoral fellows, the position also performs additional biological experiments as needed. The role supports laboratory operations through sample organization, inventory management, supply monitoring, equipment coordination, and general lab maintenance. The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent communication skills, flexibility, reliability, and a team-oriented attitude to support efficient day-to-day laboratory operations and collaborative research activities.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong interest in scientific research. This individual is committed to a long-term role, is scientifically curious, eager to learn, proactive, dependable, and motivated to contribute to collaborative research initiatives while supporting laboratory and animal research activities.

Salary Range (40-hour work week): Minimum $21.63/hour - Midpoint $27.16/hour - Maximum $32.69/hour

Work Location: Texas Medical Center

Work Schedule: 100% onsite

Why Us?

This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative genetics research at UT MD Anderson while developing hands-on laboratory and animal research expertise. Team members work alongside experienced investigators and researchers in a collaborative scientific environment that supports professional growth, meaningful contributions to cancer research, and long-term career development.

• 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

Mouse Work

• Organize, handle, monitor, and maintain mouse colonies
• Coordinate mouse breeding activities and colony maintenance
• Perform genotyping procedures
• Conduct basic non-invasive and invasive mouse procedures under approved protocols
• Assist with mouse experiments conducted by laboratory personnel

Laboratory Research Activities

• Perform routine laboratory procedures and biological experiments
• Conduct experiments under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and postdoctoral fellows
• Assist with postdoctoral fellows' research projects under their supervision
• Learn to operate laboratory equipment and apparatus
• Perform routine operator maintenance on laboratory equipment

Documentation & Data Management

• Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records
• Collect and organize information for project reports
• Evaluate data in accordance with requested methods
• Maintain complete and accurate sample inventories
• Organize laboratory samples and research materials

Laboratory Operations

• Monitor and anticipate laboratory supply needs
• Maintain adequate stock levels of laboratory supplies
• Manage inventory and supply monitoring activities
• Prepare stock solutions as required
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repair processes
• Perform laboratory maintenance and cleaning activities

Collaboration & General Support

• Work closely with other laboratory staff members
• Maintain productive working relationships with technicians and research personnel
• Explain scientific protocols currently employed in the laboratory to staff members
• Support smooth day-to-day laboratory operations and collaborative research activities
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Collect and organize information for project reports and other required activities

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science
• Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science and a Medical Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or No experience required with preferred degree

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: 182145
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 45,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 56,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 68,000
• FLSA: exempt and not 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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