Research Assistant II - Lymphoma Myeloma

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant II at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, specifically within the Lymphoma-Myeloma Research department, plays a crucial role in supporting translational and clinical research. This department focuses on advancing cancer research through biospecimen collection, laboratory processing, clinical research support, and data management. The Research Assistant II works collaboratively with investigators, clinical operations teams, research staff, and patients to uphold research protocols and achieve study objectives. Key responsibilities include biospecimen management, ensuring regulatory compliance, providing clinical research support, and conducting data collection. The role demands accuracy, safety, and adherence to institutional standards in all research processes. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in translational and clinical research, including biospecimen processing, patient interaction, data management, and regulatory compliance. A strong understanding of human subjects research, Protected Health Information (PHI) guidelines, biospecimen handling, and maintaining accurate research documentation and databases is essential.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Basic Science.
• One year of scientific or experimental research work experience, or no experience required with a preferred degree.
• Knowledge of human subjects research requirements.
• Knowledge of Protected Health Information guidelines.
• Knowledge of biospecimen handling procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate research documentation and databases.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in Basic Science.
• Medical Degree.

Responsibilities

• Process human subject tissue samples daily, including tumor biopsies, blood, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, and cellular therapy products according to SOPs.
• Collect tissue from clinical operations teams, including standard-of-care and clinical trial research biospecimens.
• Maintain accurate sample logs and database entries to support biospecimen banking and retrieval.
• Provide real-time feedback regarding biospecimen collection best practices and handling guidelines.
• Ensure sample quality aligns with project-specific research goals and requirements.
• Coordinate implementation of new research protocol collection processes independently.
• Establish and maintain databases supporting new research collection activities.
• Identify suitable biospecimen samples based on scientific rationale for research requests.
• Assemble sample vials and manifests with 100% accuracy for distribution to internal and external research groups.
• Maintain compliance with human subjects research regulations, PHI requirements, and biospecimen safety regulations.
• Enter order requests within the institutional Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
• Ensure research supplies are available to support successful specimen collections.
• Perform informed consent procedures for minimal-risk research protocols in accordance with institutional policies and research guidelines.
• Educate patients regarding participation in research studies for which they meet enrollment criteria.
• Assist patients with study questionnaires and other research-related procedures.
• Record patient information accurately from the Electronic Medical Record into study databases.
• Document biospecimen and sample collection details in study records.
• Record outcomes of patient study visits within study databases.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely research documentation.

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 leave
• Childcare leave
• 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.
• Individual and team recognition.

What This Job Offers

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