Research Investigator – Experimental Therapeutics

UT MD Anderson; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 59,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage starting day one

Paid time off & holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center invites a Research Investigator to join the Experimental Therapeutics department. The role supports laboratory-based research activities, operations, data collection, and scientific collaboration to advance cancer research.

Responsibilities include maintaining daily lab operations, training staff, managing inventory, performing molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology procedures, and ensuring safety and compliance, with day shifts and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Five years scientific or experimental research experience required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain daily laboratory operations in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Support order placement and inventory-related activities.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance activities.
• Promote laboratory safety practices and compliance requirements.
• Train and support research personnel on procedures and operations.
• Assist the laboratory manager in teaching techniques to graduate students and fellows.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Cell biology

Data analysis

Laboratory operations

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Natural sciences or related field

Master’s Degree in natural sciences or related field

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Experimental Therapeutics department, the Research Investigator supports laboratory-based research activities, laboratory operations, and scientific studies focused on advancing cancer research. The Research Investigator contributes to laboratory efficiency, research quality, and compliance with safety and procedural standards. As a member of UT MD Anderson, the Research Investigator works closely with laboratory personnel, trainees, and research teams to support experimental activities, data collection, laboratory management, and scientific collaboration. The Research Investigator plays an essential role in maintaining research continuity and supporting the institution’s mission of improving outcomes through innovative cancer research.

The ideal candidate will possess the education, experience, and certifications required to support laboratory research operations, perform molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology procedures, manage research data, and maintain compliance with laboratory safety standards. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements and demonstrate strong laboratory research, data analysis, cell culture, and laboratory operations experience are encouraged to apply.

Minimum $28.37/hour – Midpoint $35.58/hour – Maximum $42.79/hour

The typical work schedule is days.

Work Location: Onsite

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research in a collaborative laboratory environment. The position supports scientific discovery, participation in innovative research programs, professional development through hands‑on experimental work, and meaningful contributions to advancing cancer treatment and patient outcomes while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, learning, and work‑life balance.

• 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 & Equipment

• Maintain daily laboratory operations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Support order placement and inventory-related activities.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance activities.
• Promote laboratory safety practices and compliance requirements.
• Train and support research personnel on laboratory procedures and operations.
• Assist the laboratory manager in teaching techniques to graduate students, surgical fellows, and other research personnel.

Research Projects & Data

• Plan, organize, and participate in research experiments.
• Record research data manually and promptly.
• Analyze research data and prepare graphs, charts, and tables for publications.
• Utilize word processing programs and spreadsheets to support research activities.
• Discuss assay results to ensure accuracy and comparability with previous results.
• Reconcile discrepancies in research findings as soon as possible.
• Review and discuss selected scientific literature with supervisors and laboratory personnel.
• Participate in laboratory presentations.

Procedure Adherence & Implementation

• Maintain laboratory stock cancer cell lines for cell culture and mouse xenograft studies.
• Grow, expand, and freeze cell lines using sterile techniques.
• Perform and learn new in vitro assays in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Perform and learn new in vivo assays in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Utilize hazardous substrates when required by research procedures.
• Maintain appropriate environmental surveys for radioactivity and other hazardous materials.
• Maintain records of hazardous chemicals and reagents as required.
• Handle patient tissues while following established safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree Natural sciences or related field.
• Preferred: Master’s Degree natural sciences or related field.

Work Experience

• Required: Five years scientific or experimental research work or three

Years Required Experience 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.

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: 183415
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Day/Evening, Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 59,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 74,000
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 89,000
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes