Coordinator, Research Laboratory - Experimental Radiation Oncology

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Research Laboratory Coordinator supports laboratory operations for Dr. Junjie Chen, Chair of Experimental Radiation Oncology, and provides operational support to the Associate Director, Laboratory Operations, within the Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The role coordinates research activities, oversees laboratory functions, supports scientific investigations, and helps ensure regulatory compliance. It serves as a key resource for researchers, faculty, students, and collaborators. The coordinator supports research into DNA damage pathways, genomic instability, tumorigenesis, the Chfr mitotic checkpoint protein, and SIRT1-related aging and tumorigenesis. The role also manages laboratory infrastructure, equipment, supplies, personnel training, safety, compliance documentation, and operational processes. The position requires a bachelor's degree and significant scientific, research, or clinical laboratory experience, including lead or supervisory experience. A master's degree in natural sciences or a related field is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Five years of scientific, research, or clinical laboratory experience, including three years in a lead or supervisory capacity; alternatively, three years of required experience in a lead or supervisory capacity with the preferred degree.
Experience and knowledge in laboratory operations, molecular biology, tissue culture techniques, regulatory compliance, staff training, and laboratory infrastructure management.
Demonstrated leadership experience.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in natural sciences or a related field.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and conduct experiments involving DNA damage pathways, genomic instability, tumorigenesis, Chfr mitotic checkpoint protein research, and SIRT1-related aging and tumorigenesis studies.
Assist with research projects requiring molecular biology knowledge, cell-based assays, and tissue culture techniques.
Maintain accurate experimental records, protocols, and research data.
Compile, prepare, write, and submit reports to supervisors.
Attend departmental and scientific seminars to stay current on advancements in relevant research fields.
Construct, assemble, operate, and maintain laboratory apparatus and equipment.
Prepare buffers, media, solutions, and reagents for cell culture activities.
Perform laboratory maintenance, including equipment cleaning, stock management, repair coordination, inventory organization, and general laboratory support.
Oversee equipment inventories, reagent replenishment, installations, facilities requests, computers, software, and network-related needs.
Coordinate vendor visits, preventive maintenance services, and repairs to minimize operational downtime.
Assist with reviewing applicants, supervising laboratory members, training personnel, evaluating performance, and providing feedback for evaluations.
Orient and train new staff and students on laboratory procedures and expectations.
Organize and deliver training programs on specialized laboratory procedures.
Supervise researchers to support project timelines and successful completion of initiatives.
Coach researchers on laboratory-operation best practices and shared departmental spaces.
Assist faculty with submissions including MTAs, IBCs, IACUCs, and related research documentation.
Oversee preparation for and responses to Annual EHS laboratory inspections, Radiation Safety inspections, IACUC inspections, and other regulatory reviews.
Review, update, and deliver training content related to new employee orientation, safety compliance, laboratory practices, and shared equipment procedures.
Maintain chemical inventories, safety records, hazardous-material documentation, and laboratory compliance records.
Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements for environmental health and safety, radiation safety, chemical safety, biological safety, fire safety, and emergency contingency planning.
Order centralized supplies, monitor laboratory expenses, and identify cost-effective alternatives.
Develop relationships with internal and external collaborators to support laboratory operations and research objectives.
Communicate promptly with faculty and researchers to improve efficiency and resource utilization.
Scan capital equipment for Annual Asset Management Inventory activities.
Anticipate operational challenges, troubleshoot issues, develop workflow improvements, and maintain standardized laboratory practices, policies, procedures, resources, and the EROPRO Teams Lab Operations site.

Benefits

Employer-paid medical coverage starting on day one for employees working 30 or more hours per week.
Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for paid time off and an Extended Illness Bank.
Paid holidays and other leave options, including wellness and childcare leave.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
Access to wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System.
Voluntary retirement plans.
Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Educational opportunities and individual and team recognition.