Research Assistant I - Leukemia

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant I in the Leukemia department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center supports laboratory and biorepository operations that advance leukemia research. The role involves collecting, processing, preserving, and managing biological specimens; maintaining specimen quality; supporting laboratory workflows; and ensuring accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. The Research Assistant I works with laboratory staff on specimen banking, inventory management, and routine research laboratory activities. The position supports tissue culture and specimen processing, including specimen aliquoting, labeling, cryopreservation, storage, retrieval, and distribution. It also includes routine laboratory procedures, preparation of reagents and supplies, equipment and work-area upkeep, specimen tracking, inventory reconciliation, and quality assurance activities. The employee follows laboratory safety procedures, institutional policies, SOPs, and applicable regulatory standards, and protects confidential patient information. The position is onsite, with a typical day schedule. The listed salary range is $39,500–$59,500, with a midpoint of $49,500. Benefits include employer-paid medical coverage for employees working 30 or more hours per week, optional insurance plans, paid time off and holidays, leave options, tuition assistance, wellness and fitness resources, a defined-benefit pension, voluntary retirement plans, and other employee programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Basic Science.
Work experience is not required.
Follow laboratory safety procedures, biosafety practices, institutional policies, SOPs, and applicable regulatory standards.
Ability to lift and carry items up to 20–25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to tissue culture techniques, specimen processing, cryopreservation, inventory management, and 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.
Aliquot, label, cryopreserve, and store specimens while maintaining specimen integrity and chain of custody.
Process specimens 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.
Support specimen inventory management and tracking.
Prepare laboratory reagents, media, supplies, and materials 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.
Maintain complete and accurate records of specimen collection, processing, storage locations, and distribution.
Enter specimen and inventory information into laboratory databases, biorepository systems, and tracking logs.
Ensure documentation complies with institutional and regulatory requirements.
Assist with inventory reconciliation and routine audits of banked specimens.
Follow institutional policies, laboratory SOPs, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice principles, biosafety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Report specimen discrepancies, quality concerns, and equipment issues to supervisory personnel.
Maintain specimen traceability throughout the specimen lifecycle and protect patient information confidentiality.
Monitor laboratory supply levels, communicate inventory needs, and support receipt, storage, and organization of supplies and consumables.
Manually operate and maintain laboratory equipment; review operation 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 hazardous or infectious materials.
Use required personal protective equipment and work with fume hoods and biological safety cabinets when required.

Benefits

Employer-paid medical coverage beginning on day one for employees working 30 or more hours per week.
Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
PTO and Extended Illness Bank accruals.
Paid holidays and other leave options, including wellness and childcare leave.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
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.
Educational opportunities and individual and team recognition.