Research Assistant I - Leukemia

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant I supports laboratory and biorepository operations within the Leukemia department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. This role is essential for advancing leukemia research through the collection, processing, preservation, and management of biological specimens. The Research Assistant I is responsible for maintaining specimen quality, supporting laboratory workflows, and ensuring accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. This position collaborates with laboratory staff to support specimen banking, inventory management, and routine research laboratory activities that contribute to the mission of UT MD Anderson. The ideal candidate will have education and experience in laboratory operations, biospecimen processing, specimen banking, data documentation, and adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory standards. Experience with tissue culture techniques, specimen processing, cryopreservation, inventory management, and research laboratory environments is encouraged.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Basic Science.
• No prior work experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to tissue culture techniques.
• Experience with specimen processing.
• Experience with cryopreservation.
• Experience with inventory management.
• Experience in research laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines using sterile laboratory techniques.
• Observe and identify cell changes under a microscope to support culture maintenance.
• Perform cell counts using a hemocytometer or coulter counter.
• Perform specimen aliquoting, labeling, cryopreservation, and storage procedures.
• Maintain specimen integrity and chain of custody throughout processing activities.
• Ensure specimens are processed within established timelines to preserve quality and viability.
• Retrieve and distribute banked specimens for approved research studies and laboratory requests.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures under supervision including PBMC and BMMC isolation.
• Conduct cell counting and viability assessments.
• Perform cryopreservation activities for research specimens.
• Support specimen inventory management and tracking activities.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, media, supplies, and materials required for daily operations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, work areas, and storage facilities in a clean and organized manner.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures, biosafety practices, and institutional guidelines at all times.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of specimen collection, processing, storage locations, and distribution activities.
• Enter specimen and inventory information into laboratory databases, biorepository systems, and tracking logs.
• Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained according to institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with inventory reconciliation activities.
• Support routine audits of banked specimens.
• Adhere to institutional policies, laboratory SOPs, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice principles, biosafety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Identify and report specimen discrepancies, quality concerns, and equipment issues to supervisory personnel.
• Maintain specimen traceability throughout the specimen lifecycle.
• Protect the confidentiality of patient information.
• Support compliance with quality assurance and laboratory operational requirements.
• Assist with monitoring laboratory supply levels and communicate inventory needs to supervisory staff.
• Support receipt, storage, and organization of laboratory supplies and consumables.
• Manually operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Review equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals as necessary.
• Lift and carry items up to 20–25 pounds and transport materials within the laboratory using a roller cart.
• Comply with institutional safety policies, Universal Precautions, and OSHA standards when handling toxic, hazardous, flammable, radioactive, infectious, or carcinogenic materials.
• Utilize required personal protective equipment including gloves, eye protection, face masks, gowns, and lab coats.
• Work with equipment such as fume hoods and biological safety cabinets when required.

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
• Wellness, childcare, and other 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.

What This Job Offers

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