Research Assistant I - Body Imaging Research

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

4d

About The Position

The Research Assistant I will support translational cancer research in the Department of Abdominal Imaging at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The role contributes to the Pedrosa Laboratory’s work developing and validating imaging approaches for clinical applications, with a focus on metastatic organotropism in kidney cancer and its relationship to molecular alterations and treatment response. The position collaborates with imaging scientists, artificial intelligence scientists, data scientists, statisticians, imaging experts, and other institutional and external partners to advance precision medicine using non-invasive imaging.

The role performs CT and MRI segmentation of metastases in patients with metastatic kidney cancer, applies imaging analysis methods, and learns new methodologies, including AI-based approaches. It also supports research data acquisition and analysis, documentation and dataset management, literature reviews, study planning and implementation, and preparation of tables, graphs, and other scientific materials for presentations, publications, and grant applications.

The required education is a bachelor's degree in natural science or applied science in a research-related discipline. No prior work experience is required. The posting describes an ideal candidate as having an M.D. and/or Ph.D. or a bachelor's degree in a basic science discipline, with formal radiology training (preferably completion of a radiology residency) or significant experience in medical image annotation and segmentation for clinical trials, including RECIST assessments. Independent work, effective multidisciplinary collaboration, and strong interest in translational cancer research are desirable.

The position is at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. The posting notes that the role may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure and that routine reviews and screening may be required; satisfying and maintaining applicable requirements is a condition of hire and continued employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in natural science or applied science in a research-related discipline.
• No prior work experience is required.
• The ideal candidate will have an M.D. and/or Ph.D. or a bachelor's degree in a basic science discipline.
• The ideal candidate will have formal radiology training, preferably completion of a radiology residency, or significant experience in medical image annotation and segmentation for clinical trials, including RECIST assessments.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research teams is described as highly desirable.
• Strong interest in translational cancer research is described as highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

• Formal radiology training, preferably completion of a radiology residency.
• Significant experience in medical image annotation and segmentation for clinical trials, including RECIST assessments.
• Experience working independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Strong interest in translational cancer research.

Responsibilities

• Segment metastases throughout the body using CT examinations of patients with metastatic kidney cancer.
• Segment metastases throughout the body using MRI examinations of patients with metastatic kidney cancer.
• Apply imaging analysis techniques to support translational cancer research initiatives.
• Learn and use new imaging analysis methodologies, including artificial intelligence-based approaches.
• Coordinate research data acquisition activities for laboratory studies.
• Support research data analysis across multidisciplinary projects.
• Maintain research documentation and records to support study activities.
• Assist with organizing and managing research-related information and datasets.
• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing and future research projects.
• Support planning and implementation of research studies.
• Collaborate with imaging scientists, artificial intelligence scientists, data scientists, statisticians, imaging experts, and other multidisciplinary collaborators.
• Work with collaborators across UT MD Anderson and external institutions on research initiatives.
• Assist in creating tables and graphs for presentations, publications, and grant applications.
• Support dissemination of research findings through scientific and academic materials.
• Contribute to research investigating metastatic organotropism in kidney cancer.
• Support studies evaluating relationships between molecular alterations and metastatic disease patterns.
• Assist with research examining the likelihood of response to different therapeutic regimens.
• Participate in projects designed to advance precision medicine through non-invasive imaging tools.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting 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, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
• Access to wellness and fitness resources 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level