Mouse Research Assistant II

MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Genetics department at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Research Assistant II to coordinate and conduct experiments and research projects in biology, genetics, and other biomedical sciences. This role involves extensive hands-on experience with animal studies, including technical skills such as IP injections, oral gavage, sample preparation, histology, tumor cell injections, tracheal intubations, survival surgeries, tissue harvesting, and processing, as well as genotyping, breeding, and maintaining mouse colonies. Experience with genetically engineered mouse models of cancer, tumor implantation models, and drug treatment studies is strongly preferred, as is proficiency with molecular biology techniques and mammalian cell culture. The position requires strong organizational skills, honesty, reliability, independent decision-making, and a willingness to learn and adopt new methods. This role offers the opportunity to support groundbreaking cancer biology research and build a scientific career in a collaborative environment that values learning, innovation, and professional growth, with a commitment to work-life balance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Science.
One year scientific or experimental research work experience or no experience required with preferred degree.
Extensive hands-on experience with mouse handling, husbandry, genotyping, PCR, and tumor measurement.
Proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques.
Proficiency with mammalian cell culture.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Basic Science.
Medical Degree.
Prior tissue culture experience.
Understanding of cell signaling.
Understanding of lung and prostate cancer.

Responsibilities

Plan, execute, evaluate, and interpret experimental studies using imagination, initiative, and inventiveness.
Work closely with Principal Investigators on lung and prostate cancer projects using genetically engineered mouse models, tumor transplantation models, and therapeutic intervention studies.
Perform laboratory studies including flow cytometry, tissue culture, growth and drug response assays, transfection, viral infection, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry.
Conduct animal studies including tumor cell injections, viral delivery, genotyping, drug administration, imaging, necropsy, and tissue preparation for histological and molecular analyses.
Independently perform animal procedures such as intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, tracheal intubations, survival surgeries, tissue harvesting, and environmental exposures.
Maintain, breed, genotype, and manage mouse colonies while performing general husbandry tasks.
Participate in development, refinement, and adoption of experimental techniques and protocols.
Assemble, construct, and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment.
Maintain accurate experimental records and organized documentation.
Ensure compliance with animal safety standards, protocols, and regulatory requirements.
Assist with training personnel in animal techniques.
Collaborate with Principal Investigators and senior research staff on experimental reports, data summaries, and figures.
Support preparation of materials for presentations, publications, and grant applications.
Read scientific literature and confer with supervisors on new or modified procedures.
Order, organize, and maintain laboratory supplies.
Monitor laboratory safety standards and maintain hazardous material records.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of laboratory operations.

Benefits

Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week.
Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank.
Paid holidays.
Childcare leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
Access to extensive 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.