Research Assistant II

The ultimate goal of the Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences division is to keep people in a state of health and wellness, preventing them from crossing the threshold to disease and requiring treatment.

The Research Assistant II provides technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, assembling and operating laboratory equipment, preparing complex human and animal samples, evaluating data, and contributing to research focused on cancer metabolic pathways, novel therapies, and early detection biomarkers.


The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a basic science field, with a Master's degree or Medical Degree preferred. Candidates with experience in scientific or experimental research and expertise in immunoassays, ELISA, and mass spectrometry are highly preferred. A strong background in laboratory techniques, sample analysis, and collaborative research environments will support success in this role.

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, this role directly supports groundbreaking cancer prevention and translational research that advances scientific discovery and improves patient outcomes. The position offers opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers, develop advanced laboratory expertise, contribute to impactful cancer research initiatives, and grow professionally within a highly collaborative environment that values innovation, work-life balance, and continuous learning.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance. • Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options. • Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups. • Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities
Coordinates and Conducts Research Experiments • Coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out research projects across biomedical and related basic science areas, including cancer research.
• Perform laboratory assays using established techniques such as animal models, cell culture and transfection, Western blotting, RT-PCR analysis, and flow cytometry.
• Test plasma samples in accordance with validated protocols and study requirements.
• Test cell line samples in accordance with validated protocols and study requirements.
• Test tumor samples in accordance with validated protocols and study requirements.

Operates Laboratory Equipment • Construct laboratory apparatus necessary for experimental procedures.
• Assemble laboratory equipment necessary for experimental procedures.
• Operate laboratory apparatus and equipment necessary for experimental procedures.
• Maintain laboratory apparatus and equipment required to support experimental procedures.
• Prepare reagents to support ongoing research activities.
• Prepare stock solutions to support laboratory operations and research studies.
• Prepare buffers required for laboratory assays and testing procedures.
• Ensure laboratory supplies are available to support ongoing research activities.

Reviews and Modifies Research Procedures • Review scientific literature to identify new or revised research procedures.
• Confer with faculty regarding updates to research methodologies and protocols.
• Confer with senior researchers regarding new or revised research procedures.
• Assist with developing standard operating procedures to meet project needs.
• Assist with validating standard operating procedures to ensure research quality and compliance.
• Assist with modifying standard operating procedures to support evolving project requirements.

Records and Evaluates Data • Accurately record experimental procedures in accordance with requested methods, SOPs, and research standards.
• Accurately record experimental results and observations.
• Evaluate research data using established methods, SOPs, and research standards.
• Compile data summaries to support research findings and study outcomes.
• Contribute to scientific reports and research presentations.

Communication and Teamwork • Communicate effectively with faculty to support study design and execution.
• Communicate effectively with laboratory scientists to support research activities and project goals.
• Communicate effectively with clinical researchers to facilitate study execution and collaboration.
• Communicate effectively with collaborators to support research objectives and project timelines.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary research team to achieve study goals.
• Contribute input that supports decision-making and project progress.
• Ask thoughtful questions that support scientific discussion and project advancement.
• Provide solutions that support decision-making and successful project execution

EDUCATION
• Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science
• Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science and a Medical Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or No experience required with preferred degree
• Preferred: Prior experience with immunoassay techniques, ELISA, and mass spectrometry is preferred.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.