Research Assistant II - Leukemia

UT MD Anderson; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage

PTO and holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension/retirement benefits

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston seeks a Research Assistant II to support leukemia biospecimen operations and translational science programs. You will manage sample processing, storage, and documentation while coordinating with clinical teams to ensure specimen integrity.

Ideal candidates have basic science education and laboratory experience, with attention to detail and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in basic science required.
• Master’s degree in basic science preferred.
• Medical degree preferred.
• One year scientific or experimental research experience required, or no experience with preferred degree.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and organize leukemia banking samples and biospecimens.
• Process and store bone marrow and blood specimens following protocol requirements.
• Coordinate with research nurses to obtain patient blood, bone marrow aspirates, and tumor samples.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory documentation.
• Operate laboratory equipment for biospecimen processing and storage.
• Review literature and confer with supervisors to update procedures.
• Record and evaluate data as assigned.
• Maintain safety compliance including use of biosafety cabinet.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Biospecimen handling

Documentation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree Basic Science

Master's Degree Basic Science

Medical Degree

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading academic cancer center dedicated to cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Leukemia department, the Research Assistant II supports critical laboratory and biospecimen operations that advance leukemia research, biobanking initiatives, and translational science programs. The Research Assistant II works with clinical and research teams to ensure the integrity, processing, storage, and documentation of valuable patient specimens.

The Research Assistant II plays a key role in supporting laboratory workflows, maintaining biospecimen inventories, and performing molecular and cellular biology techniques. The Research Assistant II contributes directly to research efforts by processing samples, maintaining laboratory records, supporting protocol compliance, and assisting with laboratory operations essential to the mission of UT MD Anderson.

The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II position will have education and experience that support laboratory research, biospecimen processing, and molecular or cellular biology techniques. Candidates should demonstrate strong attention to detail, experience working in a research laboratory environment, proficiency in sample handling and documentation, and the ability to work independently while maintaining compliance with laboratory safety standards. Licenses and certifications are not specified.

Salary Information (40-hour work week): Minimum $45,000 - Midpoint Salary $56,500 - Maximum Salary - $68,000

Work Location: Onsite - Houston, Texas

Typical Work Schedule: Days

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.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain and organize leukemia banking samples and research biospecimens
• Process and store bone marrow and blood specimens following protocol requirements
• Coordinate with research nurses to obtain patient blood, bone marrow aspirates, and tumor samples
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and legible laboratory documentation
• Operate laboratory equipment for biospecimen processing and storage
• Review literature and confer with supervisors to update procedures
• Record and evaluate data as assigned
• Maintain attention to detail and alertness while working with samples
• Comply with institutional safety policies, including the use of biological safety cabinet
• Perform routine maintenance of ultra-low freezers and monitor liquid nitrogen, CO2, and water levels

Molecular & Cellular Biology

• Perform bone marrow aspirate processing to produce mononuclear cells
• Complete serum extraction, DNA preparation, and RNA extraction
• Maintain tissue culture cell lines using proper sterile techniques
• Observe cells under the microscope and assess culture health
• Determine cell counts using a hemocytometer
• Perform small-volume pipetting tasks with accuracy
• Obtain and process samples consistently and promptly
• Troubleshoot laboratory issues and seek guidance as needed

Research Support & Documentation

• Demonstrate full understanding of assigned research projects and protocols
• Present project updates during weekly laboratory meetings
• Maintain organized handwritten and digital records of procedures and protocols
• Participate in SOP quality control reviewsPerform biospecimen inventory checks and documentation reviews
• Collaborate with team members and directors to resolve workflow issues

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned

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 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.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html