Research Assistant II

The Cancer Biology department at MD Anderson Cancer Center has a long history of leadership in basic and translational cancer biology research, driving discoveries that illuminate the mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.

The Research Assistant II in the McAndrews lab will participate in studies understanding the mechanisms of intercellular communication within the tissue microenvironment to facilitate tissue homeostasis, repair, and disease progression. The Research Assistant II will support experimental design, execution, analysis, and laboratory operations at a high level of independence while continuing to develop new research skills.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques. Background in tissue microenvironment biology and mouse experiments is a plus. The desire to tackle a major problem of great significance is essential.

Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69
Work Location: Texas Medical Center

Why Us?
This role directly contributes to MD Anderson's mission by supporting high-impact cancer biology research that advances understanding of tissue microenvironments and disease mechanisms. Team members benefit from strong institutional support, structured growth opportunities, and an environment that values scientific curiosity, technical excellence, 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

Experimental Research
• Plan and execute experiments with substantial independence and scientific judgment
• Perform flow cytometry, mammalian tissue culture, growth assays, drug response assays, transfections, and viral infections
• Conduct nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry
• Evaluate, interpret, and document data following established project methods
• Read relevant literature and modify procedures based on project needs

Animal Studies
• Perform lentiviral injections, grafting, surgeries, and tumor cell injections
• Genotype mice and maintain experimental records
• Monitor animals, administer drug dosing, and record progress of studies
• Conduct animal imaging, necropsy, and process tissues for histology
• Work with both "nude" and conventional mice

Laboratory Operations
• Assist with development and revision of laboratory techniques
• Assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment
• Order and organize laboratory supplies
• Maintain safety monitoring and hazardous materials records
• Report equipment issues to management or faculty

Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain meticulous documentation of experimental procedures and data
• Compile, write, and submit project results to the Principal Investigator
• Support preparation of reports and grant submissions

Training & Collaboration
• Assist new laboratory members with mouse handling and tissue culture techniques
• Collaborate with supervisor and senior research staff as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: One year scientific or experimental research work experience. or No experience required with preferred degree.
• Preferred: Prior hands-on experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques is required. Background in tissue microenvironment biology, experience with mouse experiments is a plus.

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

• Requisition ID: 178540
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 45,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 56,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 68,000
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Hard
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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