Research Assistant I - Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology

Research Assistant I

Introduction
The Research Assistant I supports research operations within the Lung Cancer Moon Shot program in by coordinating tissue procurement, specimen processing, laboratory activities, and data management in support of clinical and translational research. The Research Assistant I works closely with investigators, research nurses, laboratory staff, and external collaborators to ensure specimens are collected, processed, documented, and shipped accurately and in compliance with institutional and sponsor protocols. The Research Assistant I plays a critical role in maintaining research integrity, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance across multiple studies.

MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Through innovative programs such as the Lung Cancer Moon Shot, MD Anderson Cancer Center advances scientific discovery and improves patient outcomes, with the Research Assistant I contributing directly to these mission-driven efforts.

The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant I role is detail-oriented and organized, with foundational experience or training in laboratory or clinical research settings. This role is well-suited for individuals with education in biological or health sciences who can follow detailed protocols, maintain accurate records, communicate effectively, and work independently in both laboratory and clinical environments while managing competing priorities.

Salary

Minimum $39,500 - Midpoint $49,500 - Maximum $59,500

Why Us?
The Research Assistant I directly supports MD Anderson Cancer Center's mission by ensuring high-quality biospecimen handling and accurate research documentation that enable meaningful advances in lung cancer research. This role offers hands-on exposure to clinical trials, laboratory research, and multidisciplinary collaboration, providing valuable professional development while supporting work-life balance in a mission-focused 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
Specimen Coordination, Collection & Processing

• Ensure patients are consented for tissue sample collection for protocols, including all Lung Cancer Moon Shot protocols
• Attend biopsies to obtain tissue and blood samples for research shipment
• Collect, store, and ship patient samples according to protocol requirements
• Accurately label all specimens and containers
• Centrifuge samples to obtain plasma or serum
• Pipette, aliquot, transfer, and store samples at specified temperatures
• Enter sample data into databases in accordance with prescribed procedures
• Request archival tissue samples from internal departments and external sources

Recordkeeping & Data Coordination

• Maintain accurate daily logs of all samples collected and provide reports to research and invoicing teams
• Complete registration of all consented patients into the institution's CORe system as required
• Serve as an information source on sample status for collaborators, sponsors, and research teams
• Follow up on requested tissue samples and report procurement issues to the research team, attending physicians, and principal investigators
• Maintain protocol binders for all clinical trials involving tissue requests
• Collect, organize, and summarize information for project reports
• Process and enter outside correspondence and progress notes into Tissue Station, CORe, PDMS, and related databases

Research & Laboratory Support Activities

• Attend clinical protocol start-up meetings with sponsors and institutional personnel to understand sample collection procedures
• Coordinate with sponsors to ensure samples are correctly identified, shipped, and received
• Record all sample collections and shipments to sponsors and collaborators
• Package samples to ensure suitable condition upon arrival at destination
• Arrange air freight shipments and verify receipt with collaborators or sponsors
• Handle dry ice in accordance with safety procedures
• Assist other department staff with clinical studies and assigned tasks as requested by the supervisor

Laboratory Duties & Technical Support

• Access patient data and research systems using computerized databases
• Learn and assist with basic laboratory techniques, including sample preparation for analysis
• Learn and demonstrate competency in basic laboratory studies
• Perform general laboratory duties as directed, including pre-clinical experiments in the Lung Cancer Moon Shot GEMINI laboratory
• Conduct laboratory work such as cell culture, cell survival assays, and cell line profiling experiments
• Serve as backup support to the Moon Shot tissue procurement team as directed

Supply Inventory & Safety

• Maintain adequate stock of general laboratory and tissue collection supplies
• Prepare stock solutions as required
• Learn to operate laboratory equipment and perform routine operator maintenance
• Maintain alertness and follow safety practices to prevent injury related to chemicals and hazardous materials
• Identify, organize, and store tissue collection supplies received from sponsors with assistance from research nurses or supervisors

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: None
  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: 180263
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 39,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 49,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 59,500
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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