Research Assistant I / Body Imaging Research

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

18h

About The Position

The Research Assistant I role supports the mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center by contributing to innovative radiology research that advances medical imaging, diagnostic innovation, and evidence-based patient care. Within the Body Imaging Research Department, the Research Assistant I works alongside principal investigators, radiologists, and multidisciplinary research teams to support clinical, translational, and outcomes research. The Research Assistant I plays a key role in evaluating and implementing machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques for abdominal organ segmentation, while also contributing to research design, data analysis, scientific publications, and research operations across the department. The ideal candidate is a physician with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent medical degree, prior radiology training, and a strong interest in clinical, translational, or outcomes research. Preferred qualifications include experience with programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or SQL; familiarity with research databases, electronic medical records, and large imaging datasets; knowledge of GCP, IRB processes, HIPAA, and human subjects research regulations; experience with statistical software; and authorship of scientific publications or presentations. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking radiology research that supports advances in cancer diagnosis, imaging innovation, and patient outcomes. Team members collaborate with leading clinicians and researchers while gaining valuable experience in machine learning applications, clinical research methodology, scientific publication development, and multidisciplinary healthcare research in support of the institution’s mission.

Requirements

• Prior training in radiology, including residency training or equivalent clinical experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of diagnostic imaging modalities, radiologic anatomy, and image interpretation
• Strong interest in clinical, translational, or outcomes research in radiology
• Experience with research data collection, management, analysis, and interpretation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, data visualization, and data management
• Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, abstracts, grant applications, and presentations
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary clinical and research teams
• Analytical Thinking including gathering relevant information systematically, breaking down problems into simple components, and making sound decisions
• Innovative Thinking including approaching problems with curiosity and open-mindedness while offering new ideas, solutions, and options
• Technical/Functional Expertise including demonstrating technical proficiency, maintaining current professional knowledge, and providing expertise to others
• Service Orientation including demonstrating respect and professionalism, modeling safe and ethical behavior, responding to requests in a timely manner, proactively communicating expectations, and utilizing HEAL (Hear, Empathize, Address and Learn) principles when service recovery is needed
• Bachelor's Degree Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline
• None

Nice To Haves

• Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, SQL, or similar tools for data analysis, automation, and research workflows
• Experience with research databases (e.g., REDCap), electronic medical records, and large imaging datasets
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, HIPAA, and human subjects research regulations
• Previous authorship on peer-reviewed publications or presentations at scientific conferences is desirable
• Familiarity with statistical analysis methods and statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, SAS, or Stata)

Responsibilities

• Conduct research experiments supporting body imaging and radiology research initiatives
• Evaluate and assist with implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques for abdominal organ segmentation
• Identify appropriate clinical cases for evaluation using advanced imaging analysis techniques
• Assign tumor staging according to recognized guidelines with minimal oversight from faculty or research staff
• Gather, record, and evaluate research data in accordance with requested methodologies
• Collect and manage data from hospital information systems
• Perform data gathering, organization, and analysis to support research initiatives
• Support interpretation of clinical, translational, and outcomes research findings
• Conduct literature searches to support research protocols and project development
• Assist in drafting grant proposals to obtain funding for future research efforts
• Design educational exhibits to support scientific and educational initiatives
• Prepare abstracts, manuscripts, and other scholarly communications for dissemination
• Draft preliminary Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions
• Support research activities in accordance with applicable guidelines and study protocols
• Maintain accurate documentation and research records
• Collaborate with principal investigators, radiologists, and multidisciplinary research teams
• Demonstrate analytical thinking to gather information systematically and support sound decision-making
• Apply innovative thinking to identify new ideas, solutions, and research approaches
• Demonstrate technical expertise and maintain current knowledge relevant to radiology research
• Provide professional, timely, safe, ethical, accountable, efficient, and innovative service to stakeholders while adhering to institutional policies and standards of conduct

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