Research Assistant II - Leukemia

Research Assistant II

Position Summary
This position supports a research laboratory focused on understanding how alterations in RNA binding proteins influence cancer progression. The role involves performing molecular biology and biochemical procedures including plasmid DNA preparation, transfection, PCR, gene expression analysis, DNA/RNA preparation, and electrophoresis. The position also requires routine tissue culture work, animal handling (mice and rats), and performing interventional procedures such as tail vein injections. Responsibilities include organizing laboratory workflows, interpreting experimental results, conducting literature searches, maintaining reference materials, and coordinating shipments of research samples and reagents. The role further supports daily equipment monitoring, safety compliance, and general laboratory maintenance to ensure a safe and efficient research environment.

What's In It for Me
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to impactful cancer research efforts while building advanced technical skills in molecular biology, tissue culture, RNA processing, and animal model studies. Candidates gain hands on experience with cutting edge research methods, close collaboration with principal investigators and postdoctoral fellows, and exposure to high quality scientific experimentation. The position is ideal for those seeking meaningful scientific contribution, professional growth, and the opportunity to deepen their expertise in a leading cancer research institution.

Salary Range

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Minimum Salary $45,000 | Midpoint Salary $56,500 | Salary Maximum $68,000

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on the first day for employees working 30+ hours per week
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) leave accruals
• Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid-leave programs
• Tuition Assistance Program available after six months of service
• Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan plus two voluntary retirement plans
• Employer-paid Life, AD&D, and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
• Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs, and employee resource groups

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has practical experience in molecular techniques such as DNA/RNA preparation, PCR, cloning, gene expression analysis, and tissue culture. They are comfortable working with laboratory animals, performing procedures like tail vein injections, and adhering to strict safety protocols involving hazardous or radioactive materials. The candidate should be detail oriented, organized, and capable of managing laboratory workflows, equipment monitoring, and accurate documentation. Strong reading comprehension, the ability to interpret scientific literature, and effective communication with research staff are also essential.

Job Responsibilities
Molecular Techniques/Tissue Cultures/Other Lab Procedures
The primary research focus of this laboratory aims to understand how alterations in RNA binding proteins impact cancer progression. Experience in animal studies involving is highly desirable.
Experience in molecular techniques involving plasmid DNA preparations and transfection, the analysis of gene expression including QPCR, microarrays, animal models, and tissue culture are also preferred.
Organizes and performs routine procedures involving molecular biology and biochemistry of RNA processing. Requires experience in tissue culture, DNA & RNA preparation, PCR, DNA cloning, protein synthesis and electrophoresis.
Responsible for providing laboratory services, tissue culture, processing research samples, and/or cataloging samples as required. Interacts with the principal investigators, postdoctoral fellows and other research personnel in communicating experimental design and results.
Requires knowledge of standard radiographic techniques. Dark room usage is essential as is use and proper handling of radioisotopes.
Work with laboratory animals such as mice and rats and to perform interventional procedures such as tail vein injections. Retrieves, maintains, and catalogs specimen stocks from outside reference laboratories.
Assists in other laboratory activities as needed.

Research Procedures
Performs quality research in relation to current research projects, and other identified needs. Interprets results of experiments, and makes necessary changes in procedures when needed.
Compiles data sheets.
Conducts Library Work.
Finds and copies journal articles as required. Reads and understands articles related to ongoing research. Maintains references in a manual filing system. Requires good reading and comprehension skills as well as diligence, patience and ability to carry several heavy books at a time.
Assemble samples, reagents, dry or wet ice, data and packaging materials; draft a cover letter, accurately and legibly fill out shipping labels; carry package to receiving area on ground floor prior to pick up. Keep accurate legible logs of outgoing and incoming packages. For incoming packages, ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify principal investigator. Update pertinent inventory logs.
Performs and coordinates scientific experiments in a collaborative effort with other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and staff members. Monitors work flow as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance and stock solutions.

Equipment Monitoring/Maintenance/Safety
Equipment monitoring on a daily basis verifying correct temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, incubators, etc.
Equipment maintenance on a weekly basis includes cleaning and disinfecting refrigerators and incubators.
Daily counter clean up and disinfection to ensure safety of the laboratory work place.
Bags waste and transports to appropriate refuse area utilizing safety standards and guidelines.
Maintains all safety precautions.
Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
Must be able to comply with all institutional safety policies including Universal Precautions and OSHA standards when handling toxic, hazardous, flammable, or potentially infectious or carcinogenic materials.
This may require wearing common protective garments or equipment such as gloves, eye protection, face mask, gown or lab coat, etc. Additionally some procedures may require the use of a fume hood or biological safety cabinet.

Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: 1 year Scientific or experimental research work experience. 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.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 178915
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days, Weekends
• 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: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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