Research Assistant II - Psychiatry

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant II role supports innovative translational neuroscience research that bridges discoveries in the laboratory with clinical interventions for cancer patients. This position offers exposure to molecular biology, preclinical research, neuroimaging, biomarker development, and clinical trial operations within a highly collaborative research environment. UT MD Anderson's translational neuroscience program provides a unique opportunity for the Research Assistant II to work across wet laboratory, animal research, and clinical research settings. The Research Assistant II collaborates with investigators, clinicians, and research staff to advance scientific discoveries while supporting patient-centered research activities. The Research Assistant II contributes directly to studies designed to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with cancer. The ideal candidate will have wet laboratory research experience and an interest in expanding technical expertise across molecular biology, preclinical animal models, neuroimaging, and clinical trial biomarker workflows. Candidates should be comfortable working in a patient-facing environment, demonstrate a willingness to learn new techniques, and possess the professionalism required to support research activities under Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Basic Science
• One year Scientific or experimental research work experience
• Wet laboratory research experience
• Interest in expanding technical expertise across molecular biology, preclinical animal models, neuroimaging, and clinical trial biomarker workflows
• Comfortable working in a patient-facing environment
• Willingness to learn new techniques
• Professionalism required to support research activities under Good Clinical Practice guidelines

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree Basic Science
• Medical Degree

Responsibilities

• Ensure assigned studies are conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice, federal regulations, and institutional policies
• Develop and maintain systems for coding, editing, and computer entry of research study data
• Maintain continuous patient follow-up records and study documentation for assigned studies
• Design and maintain management reports using departmental and institutional databases
• Support clinical trial operations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate patient and tissue databases and research records
• Perform tissue culture and molecular and cellular biology procedures
• Process RNA, DNA, and protein samples for research studies
• Conduct PCR, western blot, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry experiments
• Perform protein expression, purification, and drug-binding studies
• Conduct multiplex immunofluorescence, IHC, and related staining and imaging techniques
• Communicate experimental results to the Principal Investigator and research team
• Evaluate, analyze, compile, and accurately record experimental data
• Conduct mouse model studies including orthotopic and xenograft tumor cell injections
• Perform tumor cell culture and tumor growth monitoring activities
• Support Von Frey testing procedures and data collection
• Assist with behavioral and mitochondrial assays for preclinical neurotoxicity models
• Log in vivo research data into tissue databases
• Maintain antibody inventory and laboratory stock materials
• Coordinate with husbandry and veterinary staff regarding animal health and care
• Provide direct patient-facing support during clinical trial visits
• Collect, process, handle, and store blood, tissue, imaging, and biomarker samples
• Monitor participants during study treatment sessions in accordance with protocol requirements
• Coordinate fMRI scheduling, data retrieval, logging, and task supervision with neuroimaging teams
• Support supervised analysis of imaging data for clinical trial endpoints
• Ensure accurate biomarker tracking and continuous patient follow-up
• Maintain research equipment and monitor equipment maintenance needs
• Prepare protocol-specific reports and analyses supporting therapeutic efficacy decisions
• Assist faculty investigators with data file preparation for research studies
• Support manuscript preparation and grant submission activities
• Coordinate scientific experiments with technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff
• Monitor laboratory supplies, stock solutions, and inventory needs
• Attend departmental monthly meetings and research team meetings as required
• Utilize PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and GraphPad Prism for research-related activities
• Perform other duties assigned by the Principal Investigator and/or laboratory manager

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