Senior Research Assistant – Experimental Radiation Oncology

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

Texas

On-site

USD 34,000 - 51,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage starts day one

PTO and holidays accrual

Tuition assistance after six months

Pension plan

Job summary

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Senior Research Assistant to support laboratory operations and Dr. Junjie Chen’s research in Experimental Radiation Oncology.

The role coordinates experiments, maintains infrastructure, and collaborates across researchers and staff. The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Basic Sciences or Medical Degree, with experience in molecular biology, cell-based assays, and lab management.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in natural sciences or related field required.
Master’s or Medical Degree preferred.
3 years of scientific or experimental research experience required, 1 year with preferred degree.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and conduct experiments involving DNA damage pathways and tumorigenesis.
Operate laboratory apparatus and equipment.
Assist with molecular biology, cell-based assays, and tissue culture techniques.
Record and evaluate experimental data per methodologies.
Maintain detailed records of protocols and findings.
Prepare and submit work reports to supervisor.
Read literature and adapt procedures for projects.
Attend seminars to stay informed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Scientific communication

Molecular biology

Cell-based assays

Tissue culture

Education

Bachelor’s Degree Natural sciences or related field

Master’s Degree Basic sciences

Medical Degree

Tools

Teams EROPRO Lab Operations

Job description

Senior Research Assistant

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a premier organization dedicated to cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Experimental Radiation Oncology department, the Senior Research Assistant supports the laboratory operations of Dr. Junjie Chen, Chair of Experimental Radiation Oncology, while also providing support to the Associate Director, Laboratory Operations. The Senior Research Assistant coordinates and conducts experiments, supports laboratory infrastructure, and contributes to research activities that advance scientific understanding of cancer and related diseases.

UT MD Anderson fosters innovation through groundbreaking laboratory and translational research. The Senior Research Assistant plays a critical role in supporting research focused on DNA damage pathways, genomic instability, tumorigenesis, aging, and cell biology. Through scientific experimentation, laboratory coordination, and operational support, the Senior Research Assistant helps ensure the success of research programs while maintaining efficient laboratory operations. The Senior Research Assistant also serves as a key resource for researchers, faculty, students, and collaborators.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s Degree in Basic Sciences or a Medical Degree, along with scientific or experimental research experience in a laboratory environment. Experience supporting molecular biology research, cell-based assays, tissue culture techniques, laboratory operations, and scientific collaboration is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to support research compliance and laboratory management activities.

Minimum $24.76/hour — Midpoint $31.01/hour — Maximum $37.26/hour

Why Us?

UT MD Anderson offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative cancer research while supporting a collaborative scientific environment. This role combines hands‑on laboratory research, operational leadership, compliance support, and scientific collaboration, providing meaningful career development opportunities in a world‑class research setting while supporting work‑life balance and professional growth.

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

Research Operations & Experimental Support

Coordinate and conduct experiments and research projects involving DNA damage pathways, molecular mechanisms of genomic instability and tumorigenesis, the mitotic checkpoint protein Chfr, and protein deacetylase SIRT1
Construct, assemble, and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment
Assist with experiments requiring knowledge of molecular biology, cell‑based assays, and tissue culture techniques
Record, maintain, and evaluate experimental data in accordance with requested methodologies
Maintain accurate and detailed records of protocols and research findings
Compile, prepare, write, and submit work reports to the supervisor
Read scientific literature, discuss new methodologies with leadership, and adapt procedures to project needs
Attend departmental and scientific seminars to remain informed of developments in relevant fields

Laboratory Management & Maintenance

Order centralized supplies and monitor laboratory expenses
Communicate cost‑effective purchasing alternatives
Make buffers, media, solutions, and reagents for cell cultures
Maintain and clean laboratory equipment
Organize equipment repair procedures and preventive maintenance activities
Maintain laboratory stock inventories
Manage chemical inventories and safety records
Refill reagents and support routine equipment needs
Escort vendors and coordinate service appointments
Provide general laboratory support as needed

Training, Compliance & Research Support

Organize and develop training programs for specialized laboratory procedures
Help orient and train new staff and students
Train new users on laboratory equipment and procedures
Assist faculty with submission of MTAs, IBCs, IACUCs, and related research documentation
Plan, assist, and guide laboratories in annual Environmental Health and Safety orientations
Assist and collaborate on departmental initiatives involving Environmental Health and Safety compliance, Fire Safety, Emergency Contingency Planning, and related programs

Laboratory Operations & Collaboration

Develop relationships with internal and external collaborators to facilitate laboratory activities
Promptly communicate and respond to faculty and researchers to improve efficiency and conserve resources
Act as property controller for inventoried laboratory equipment
Maintain and update equipment manuals and records in Teams EROPRO Lab Operations
Resolve missing equipment issues and maintain inventory records
Serve as liaison between Research Facilities, Information Systems, and laboratory stakeholders
Report facilities‑related issues and provide follow‑up support
Initiate and complete work request forms for changes or repairs
Provide cost estimates to Principal Investigators for requested work

Continuous Improvement

Anticipate operational and laboratory issues
Troubleshoot problems and develop creative workflow solutions
Support departmental laboratory initiatives and operational goals
Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor’s Degree Natural sciences or related field.
Preferred: Master’s Degree Basic sciences.
Preferred: Medical Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: 3 years Scientific or experimental research work experience. or
Required: 1 year 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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information