Research Investigator

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

22h

About The Position

The Research Investigator supports the Department of Translational Neuroscience and the Pan Laboratory at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The laboratory studies neuron-cancer and neuron-glia interactions and how genetic mutations, therapies, and other modifiers influence them, with the goal of informing the prediction, prevention, and treatment of nervous system cancers and neurological disorders. The role contributes to translational research using primary cell culture, genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenograft models, neuromodulatory approaches, and cellular and molecular biology techniques. The position supports advanced laboratory management, animal studies, and scientific collaboration. It helps maintain laboratory operations and compliance while contributing to research initiatives independently, including experiment design, troubleshooting, analysis, personnel training, documentation, and reporting. The ideal candidate has experience managing mouse colonies and breeding transgenic mice, strong animal-handling skills, and extensive cellular and molecular biology expertise. Experience supporting translational neuroscience, cancer biology, or related biomedical research is highly desirable. The listed salary range is $59,000–$89,000, with a midpoint of $74,000. MD Anderson describes opportunities for scientific independence, professional growth, collaboration, and contributions to research that may improve outcomes for patients with nervous system cancers and neurological disorders. Benefits include employer-paid medical coverage beginning on day one for employees working at least 30 hours per week; optional dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance; paid time off and holidays; wellness and childcare options; tuition assistance after six months; wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups; a defined-benefit pension; voluntary retirement plans; and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in natural sciences or a related field.
Five years of scientific or experimental research work; alternatively, three years of required experience with the preferred degree.
Experience managing mouse colonies and breeding transgenic mice.
Expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques.
Strong animal-handling skills and experience with in-vivo and in-vitro experiments.
Ability to independently design and troubleshoot experiments.
Ability to train laboratory personnel, maintain detailed scientific records, and communicate research findings effectively.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in natural sciences or a related field.
Background supporting translational neuroscience, cancer biology, or related biomedical research programs.

Responsibilities

Supervise general laboratory operations and daily research activities.
Coordinate updates and revisions to IACUC and IBC protocols.
Oversee mouse colony management and colony health monitoring.
Coordinate onboarding activities for new laboratory personnel.
Organize laboratory meetings, training sessions, and team events.
Manage mouse colonies and breed transgenic mouse lines supporting research programs.
Perform animal experiments, including drug-dosing studies.
Conduct behavioral assays for neuroscience research projects.
Use genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived xenograft models.
Handle mice while maintaining compliance with animal-care standards.
Perform cellular assays, including gene-knockdown and proliferation assays.
Conduct molecular analyses, including PCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, FACS, and immunohistochemistry.
Perform tissue collection, processing, and sample preparation.
Conduct fluorescence microscopy experiments.
Support studies using primary cell culture and neuromodulatory research approaches.
Determine research goals and experimental objectives.
Design experiments with appropriate controls for translational neuroscience studies.
Evaluate research findings and interpret experimental results.
Troubleshoot technical and scientific challenges.
Independently design and initiate research experiments.
Train laboratory personnel in experimental procedures and laboratory best practices.
Maintain organized records and detailed documentation of experimental procedures.
Compile, write, and submit project findings and scientific reports to supervisors.
Communicate experimental progress and findings effectively.
Perform other duties as assigned.

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 and 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.
Educational opportunities and individual and team recognition.