Research Assistant I - GI Medical Oncology

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant I supports laboratory operations and biospecimen management in the GI Medical Oncology department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The role contributes to clinical and translational research by collecting, processing, labeling, storing, and banking blood, tissue, and other fluid specimens. Working under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and research leadership, the Research Assistant ensures high-quality specimen handling, accurate documentation, and efficient laboratory operations. The position also collaborates with investigators, research staff, and trainees to support research activities and expand biospecimen processing capacity.

The role includes maintaining laboratory spaces, equipment, supplies, chemical inventories, and safety records; managing specimen files, retrieval systems, and biorepository inventories; and preparing work reports for the supervisor. It may also involve specimen photography, distributing materials for interpretation, providing coverage for biospecimen processing, and cross-training colleagues to support operational continuity. The position is based in Houston, Texas, and has a typical day schedule. The stated salary range for a 40-hour work week is $18.99 to $28.61 per hour, with a midpoint of $23.80 per hour.

MD Anderson describes this role as providing exposure to laboratory research operations, biospecimen banking, and collaboration with investigators, with opportunities for professional development, career growth, and work-life balance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience in blood and tissue specimen processing.
• Experience with in vitro cell culture techniques.
• Experience with laboratory operations, accurate recordkeeping, and biospecimen management.
• Interest in laboratory-based clinical and translational research.

Responsibilities

• Collect blood and tissue specimens according to established protocols and regulations.
• Process blood, tissue, and other fluid specimens for clinical and translational research studies.
• Label specimens accurately and according to established protocols.
• Store and bank blood and tissue specimens in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure timely, high-quality handling of biospecimens for current and future research initiatives.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory areas, cleanliness, and proper aseptic techniques.
• Maintain and clean laboratory equipment and organize equipment repair procedures.
• Maintain laboratory stock supplies, chemical inventories, and laboratory safety records.
• Provide general laboratory support as needed.
• Prepare records and labels for specimen filing and tracking.
• Curate specimen files and retrieval systems.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of research protocols and experimental data.
• Maintain biorepository inventories and associated records.
• Collaborate with investigators to facilitate research activities.
• Collaborate with research staff to support participant enrollment and sample collection.
• Collaborate with trainees to support laboratory activities.
• Perform technical duties related to specimen photography and distribute materials for interpretation.
• Support biospecimen banking operations that enhance research capacity.
• Compile, write, and submit work reports for the supervisor.
• Provide coverage for biospecimen processing operations and cross-training to ensure operational continuity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting 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, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
• Access to 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.
• Professional development, career growth, and work-life balance opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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