Research Assistant II - GI Medical Oncology

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 68,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage on day

PTO and holidays

Tuition Assistance Program

Defined-benefit pension

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Research Assistant II to support cancer biology studies, including colorectal cancer, treatment response, and immunotherapy, in a dynamic GI Medical Oncology lab. The role involves mouse colony management, animal surgeries, data analysis, and collaboration with leadership to advance translational research in intestinal adenocarcinomas.

The position emphasizes exposure to PDX models, immune-related mechanisms, and advanced laboratory

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Basic Science required.
Master's Degree in Basic Science preferred.
Medical degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage mouse colonies and animal studies.
Perform surgeries and drug dosing for tumor models.
Extract immune cells from tumors and tissues; conduct molecular characterization.
Analyze data and generate plots; apply Excel for data analysis.
Prepare methods, results summaries, and maintain lab documentation.
Ensure compliance with safety and institutional policies.

Skills

Mouse handling

PDX models

Immune cell isolation

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's Degree Basic Science

Master's Degree Basic Science

Medical Degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to eliminating cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research, cancer prevention, and education. The Research Assistant II role supports this mission by contributing to innovative cancer biology studies focused on colorectal cancer, treatment response, immune checkpoint therapy, and translational research that advances the understanding of intestinal adenocarcinomas.

Within the GI Medical Oncology department, the Research Assistant II will play an integral role in a laboratory focused on the molecular characterization of colorectal cancer, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, immune-related mechanisms, and novel treatment strategies. The Research Assistant II will work closely with research leadership and laboratory personnel to execute complex experiments, manage animal studies, and generate high-quality research data that supports scientific discovery.

The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II position will possess education and experience that support laboratory research in cancer biology, animal models, molecular characterization, and data analysis. Experience working with mouse colonies, PDX models, immune cell isolation, and scientific data interpretation is highly desirable. Strong communication, technical, organizational, and laboratory safety skills are important for success in this role.

Position Information

Hourly Salary: Minimum $21.63/hour - Midpoint $27.16/hour - Maximum $32.69/hour

The typical work schedule is Days.

Work Location: Onsite

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, the Research Assistant II contributes directly to cancer research that improves patient outcomes and advances scientific understanding of colorectal cancer and immunotherapy. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers, develop advanced laboratory and animal research skills, participate in impactful translational studies, and grow within a world-renowned academic research environment while benefiting from a comprehensive rewards package.

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 primary purpose of this position is to conduct research in the cancer biology of intestinal adenocarcinomas with an emphasis on colorectal cancer, patient-derived xenografts, mechanisms of treatment response and resistance, tumor immunology, immune cell interactions, and immune checkpoint therapy.

Animal Research & Colony Management

Manage mouse colonies with minimal supervision
Perform survival surgeries for implantation of patient-derived tumor fragments and cell lines
Administer drug dosing through oral gavage, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous techniques
Measure tumor response using calipers and non-invasive imaging methods
Analyze outcomes from efficacy studies
Perform non-survival surgeries for specimen collection and molecular characterization
Conduct necropsies and collect tumor, blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph node samples
Extract immune cells from human tumors and mouse tissues

Experimental Research Activities

Conduct cancer biology experiments according to approved research plans
Support molecular characterization of colorectal cancer models
Perform ex vivo treatment studies using collected specimens
Utilize primary tumors, xenograft tumors, cell cultures, and animal models in research projects
Study mechanisms of treatment response and resistance
Investigate immune-related pathways involved in tumor and immune cell interactions
Support research involving immune checkpoint therapies

Documentation & Data Management

Maintain accurate and detailed mouse colony records, including PDX models
Ensure timely entry of research and animal-related data
Verify correct animal identification using ear tags
Report identification discrepancies to the supervisor
Properly label collected tissue samples
Deposit specimens into designated storage locations
Maintain accurate documentation of stored samples and research activities

Data Analysis & Technical Support

Analyze experimental data with minimal supervision
Create plots and visual representations of research findings
Utilize advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis
Use Adobe Photoshop for research-related image processing and presentation support

Communication, Training & Safety

Communicate experimental results and potential issues clearly to supervisors and laboratory personnel
Present findings during laboratory meetings
Review scientific literature and references to support research activities
Develop written experimental procedures and protocols
Prepare concise and accurate methods and results summaries
Assist with training graduate students, fellows, and post-doctoral trainees when needed
Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment
Follow institutional policies and OSHA requirements regarding biohazard and radiation safety

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science.
Preferred: Medical Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or n o 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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information