Research Assistant II - GI Medical Oncology

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant II supports cancer biology research in intestinal adenocarcinomas, with emphasis on colorectal cancer, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), treatment response and resistance, tumor immunology, immune cell interactions, and immune checkpoint therapy. The role contributes to translational studies through complex laboratory experiments, animal research, molecular characterization, and analysis of research data. The Research Assistant II works with research leadership and laboratory personnel to produce high-quality data supporting scientific discovery.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in basic science.
One year of scientific or experimental research work experience, or no experience is required with a preferred degree.
Ability to conduct laboratory research and animal studies and to manage research documentation and data.
Strong communication, technical, organizational, and laboratory safety skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in basic science.
Medical degree.
Experience with mouse colonies, PDX models, immune cell isolation, and scientific data interpretation.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Responsibilities

Manage mouse colonies, including PDX models, with minimal supervision.
Perform survival surgeries to implant patient-derived tumor fragments and cell lines.
Administer drugs through oral gavage, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous techniques.
Measure tumor responses using calipers and non-invasive imaging methods, and analyze efficacy study outcomes.
Perform non-survival surgeries, conduct necropsies, and collect tumor, blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph node samples.
Extract immune cells from human tumors and mouse tissues.
Conduct cancer biology experiments according to approved research plans and support molecular characterization of colorectal cancer models.
Conduct ex vivo treatment studies and use primary tumors, xenograft tumors, cell cultures, and animal models in research projects.
Study mechanisms of treatment response and resistance, tumor and immune cell interactions, and pathways relevant to immune checkpoint therapies.
Maintain accurate mouse colony and PDX records, enter research and animal-related data promptly, and verify animal identification using ear tags.
Report animal identification discrepancies to the supervisor.
Label collected tissue samples, deposit specimens in designated storage locations, and document stored samples and research activities.
Analyze experimental data, create plots and visual representations of findings, and use Microsoft Excel and Adobe Photoshop for research-related work.
Communicate experimental results and potential issues to supervisors and laboratory personnel, and present findings at laboratory meetings.
Review scientific literature and references to support research activities.
Develop written experimental procedures and protocols and prepare concise methods and results summaries.
Assist with training graduate students, fellows, and postdoctoral trainees when needed.
Maintain a clean and organized laboratory and follow institutional policies and OSHA requirements for biohazard and radiation safety.

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.
Accruals for paid time off and an Extended Illness Bank.
Paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
Access to wellness and fitness resources 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.