Research Assistant I

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Research Assistant I to provide technical support for laboratory research in cellular and membrane biology related to cancer and immunity. The position supports laboratory studies, data collection, animal research activities, and routine laboratory operations under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel. The role offers hands-on experience in a collaborative academic research environment and contributes to cancer research with potential clinical impact. The candidate must be willing to assist with mouse studies. The position is onsite at the Texas Medical Center. For a 40-hour work week, the stated hourly salary range is $18.99 minimum, $23.80 midpoint, and $28.61 maximum.

The Research Assistant I maintains mammalian and primary cell cultures, prepares research materials, performs cell-based procedures, and assists with experimental treatments and sample collection. The role also supports fluorescence microscopy and image-based experiments, approved mouse studies, research documentation and data management, and general laboratory operations and safety. All activities are performed under supervision and in accordance with established protocols, institutional training and authorization requirements, and applicable safety and animal welfare requirements.

MD Anderson describes opportunities to build technical laboratory skills, collaborate with experienced scientists, contribute to research projects, and develop professionally. Benefits listed include employer-paid medical coverage beginning on the first day for employees working at least 30 hours per week; optional dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance; paid time off and an Extended Illness Bank; paid holidays and other leave options; wellness and childcare resources; tuition assistance after six months of service; fitness and employee resource groups; a defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System; voluntary retirement plans; and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

The position may require routine reviews and screening related to the security and integrity of critical infrastructure. The ability to satisfy and maintain applicable requirements is a condition of hire and continued employment. MD Anderson states that it provides equal employment opportunity in accordance with institutional policy and applicable law.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline.
• Willingness to assist with mouse studies.
• Comply with institutional training, authorization, animal welfare, biosafety, chemical safety, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to satisfy and maintain any applicable requirements for ensuring the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, if required.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Prior experience with fluorescence microscopy.
• Prior experience with mouse handling.
• Prior experience with flow cytometry.
• Prior experience with basic image or data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary cell cultures using aseptic technique.
• Prepare media, buffers, and laboratory reagents for research studies.
• Perform cell thawing, passaging, counting, seeding, and cryopreservation procedures.
• Conduct experimental treatments and sample collection activities.
• Monitor culture quality and laboratory standards.
• Assist with cell-based assays, protocol optimization, and troubleshooting under supervision.
• Prepare live and fixed samples for imaging studies.
• Label samples using fluorescent probes, dyes, and antibodies.
• Perform fluorescence microscopy and other image-based experiments following established protocols.
• Maintain complete image acquisition records and sample documentation.
• Perform basic image processing and quantitative analysis using approved workflows.
• Assist with operation and routine maintenance of imaging equipment.
• Assist with approved mouse studies following institutional training and authorization requirements.
• Support animal research activities in accordance with IACUC protocols and laboratory procedures.
• Perform colony maintenance and animal identification tasks.
• Assist with genotyping, monitoring, experimental procedures, measurements, and tissue collection.
• Maintain accurate animal and study records.
• Report animal health or welfare concerns promptly.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of experimental procedures, samples, and results.
• Organize raw data and associated research information.
• Perform basic calculations and data summaries.
• Communicate experimental progress, challenges, and results to the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel.
• Maintain appropriate sample labeling and traceability.
• Support general laboratory maintenance activities and prepare common laboratory solutions.
• Monitor laboratory supplies and inventories, and assist with ordering activities and inventory management.
• Maintain clean, organized, and orderly laboratory work areas.
• Use laboratory equipment properly and report equipment or supply needs.
• Comply with institutional requirements related to biosafety, chemical safety, animal welfare, and personal protective equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30 or more hours per week.
• Optional group dental insurance.
• Optional vision insurance.
• Optional life insurance.
• Optional AD&D insurance.
• Optional 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