Research Assistant II - Mouse Handling

Position Title: Research Assistant II
INTRODUCTION

The Research Assistant II position in GU Radiation Oncology supports preclinical and translational research within the Division of Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Research Assistant II role provides responsible technical assistance across multiple research projects, with a strong emphasis on mouse colony management, in vivo and in vitro experimentation, data collection, and daily laboratory operations in support of investigator-led studies.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within UT MD Anderson, the Research Assistant II position reports to Pr. Phuoc T. Tran, MD, PhD, and plays a key role in ensuring the efficient, compliant, and scientifically rigorous operation of the laboratory. The Research Assistant II position requires independent judgment, strong organizational skills, and frequent collaboration with laboratory and divisional colleagues to advance cancer research efforts.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II position holds a bachelor's degree in a basic science discipline, has at least one year of scientific or experimental research experience, including hands-on animal handling, and demonstrates technical proficiency in laboratory techniques, data documentation, and safety practices, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team-based research environment.

POSITION INFORMATION
Salary Range (Annual): Minimum $45,000 - Midpoint $56,500 - Maximum $68,000
Hourly Equivalent (40-hour work week): Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69

Why Us?
The Research Assistant II role at UT MD Anderson offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative radiation oncology research that supports the institution's mission to eliminate cancer. This position provides hands-on experience with advanced animal models, imaging technologies, molecular biology techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration, supporting professional development for individuals pursuing long-term careers in biomedical research while maintaining a stable and supportive work environment.
• 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
Animal Research & Mouse Colony Management
• Organize, manage, and maintain mouse colonies, including husbandry, genotyping, breeding, treatments, health monitoring, and tissue collection
• Conduct mouse experiments using various injection methods, imaging techniques, X-ray irradiation, and therapeutic interventions
• Work with genetically engineered, immunocompromised, and wild-type mouse models in compliance with approved protocols and SOPs

Laboratory Operations & Safety
• Support daily laboratory operations, including preparation of common stock solutions and maintenance of general lab equipment
• Monitor, update, order, and verify quality of laboratory supplies and reagents to support research activities
• Implement and model laboratory safety practices, including appropriate PPE use and compliance with biohazard, chemical, and radiation safety requirements

Experimental Techniques & Research Support
• Conduct in vivo and in vitro experiments in areas of cell biology, molecular biology, and related basic science fields
• Perform cell culture, drug and radiation treatments, cell growth and death assays, and molecular techniques including PCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and nucleic acid isolation
• Assist with histological and immunohistochemical analyses, transfection, transcriptomics, and sequencing-related activities

Data Management & Analysis
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, including methods, treatments, observations, and results
• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret experimental data using established methods and data processing tools
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to ongoing scientific discussions

Collaboration, Communication & Knowledge Sharing
• Provide technical and coordination assistance to research staff and division members
• Work autonomously while contributing effectively within a team environment using courteous and professional communication
• Support training and knowledge transfer to current and new laboratory members and stay informed of relevant scientific literature

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: 1 year Scientific or experimental research work experience. or
• Required: No experience required with preferred degree.
• Preferred: E a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } xperience with animal handling and treatments, willingness to work with mice, and experience with data processing tools including Excel

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: 180721
• 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: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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