Research Investigator - Experimental Therapeutics

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 59,000 - 89,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX seeks a Research Investigator in Experimental Therapeutics to support laboratory-based research, data collection, and project coordination. The role advances cancer research by maintaining lab operations, assisting in experiments, and ensuring safety and compliance in a collaborative scientific environment.

Responsibilities include planning experiments, data analysis, and supporting graduate trainees; the position requires strong

Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Natural sciences or related field.
Master's degree preferred in natural sciences or related field.
Five years of scientific or experimental research experience, or three years with a preferred degree.

Responsibilities

Maintain daily laboratory operations according to policies and procedures.
Plan, organize, and participate in research experiments; record data; analyze results.
Train personnel on procedures and assist in teaching techniques to students and fellows.
Handle cell culture, in vitro/in vivo assays, and hazardous materials safely.
Coordinate equipment maintenance and support inventory-related activities.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Data analysis

Scientific terminology

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural sciences or related field

Master's Degree in natural sciences or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

Research Investigator - Experimental Therapeutics

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.

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