Research Assistant I

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within its Cancer Biology department, researchers have a long history of advancing basic and translational cancer biology research through strong collaborations with clinical departments that facilitate the exchange of knowledge between the laboratory and the clinic.

UT MD Anderson is seeking a Research Assistant I to provide technical support for laboratory research in cellular and membrane biology related to cancer and immunity. The Research Assistant I will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel to support laboratory studies, data collection, animal research activities, and routine laboratory operations. This Research Assistant I role offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative cancer research while developing hands‑on experience in a collaborative scientific environment.

The ideal candidate must be willing to assist with mouse studies. Experience in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique, fluorescence microscopy, mouse handling, flow cytometry, and basic image or data analysis is a plus.

Salary (40-hour work week): Minimum $18.99/hour - Midpoint $23.80/hour - Maximum $28.61/hour

Work Location: Texas Medical Center

Schedule: Onsite

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, the Research Assistant I plays an important role in advancing cancer and immunity research that supports discoveries with potential clinical impact. This position offers opportunities to build technical laboratory skills, collaborate with experienced scientists, contribute to meaningful research projects, and grow within a world‑renowned academic research environment while maintaining a strong commitment to employee well‑being and professional development.

• 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

Cell Culture & Laboratory Research

Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary cell cultures using aseptic technique.

Prepare media, buffers, and laboratory reagents for research studies.

Perform cell thawing, passaging, counting, seeding, and cryopreservation procedures.

Conduct experimental treatments and sample collection activities.

Monitor culture quality and laboratory standards.

Assist with cell-based assays, protocol optimization, and troubleshooting under supervision.

Microscopy & Image-Based Experiments

Prepare live and fixed samples for imaging studies.

Label samples using fluorescent probes, dyes, and antibodies.

Perform fluorescence microscopy and other image-based experiments following established protocols.

Maintain complete image acquisition records and sample documentation.

Perform basic image processing and quantitative analysis using approved workflows.

Assist with operation and routine maintenance of imaging equipment.

Animal Research Support

Assist with approved mouse studies following institutional training and authorization requirements.

Support animal research activities in accordance with IACUC protocols and laboratory procedures.

Perform colony maintenance and animal identification tasks.

Assist with genotyping, monitoring, experimental procedures, measurements, and tissue collection.

Maintain accurate animal and study records.

Report animal health or welfare concerns promptly.

Research Documentation & Data Management

Maintain complete and accurate records of experimental procedures, samples, and results.

Organize raw data and associated research information.

Perform basic calculations and data summaries.

Communicate experimental progress, challenges, and results to the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel.

Maintain appropriate sample labeling and traceability.

Laboratory Operations & Safety

Support general laboratory maintenance activities.

Prepare common laboratory solutions.

Monitor laboratory supplies and inventories.

Assist with ordering activities and inventory management.

Maintain clean, organized, and orderly laboratory work areas.

Use laboratory equipment properly and report equipment or supply needs.

Comply with institutional requirements related to biosafety, chemical safety, animal welfare, and personal protective equipment.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Required: Bachelor's Degree Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline

Work Experience

Required: None

Preferred: Prior experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique, fluorescence microscopy, mouse handling, flow cytometry, and basic image or data analysis

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.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 183605
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 39,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 49,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 59,500
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes