Senior Research Assistant

Genetics is a basic science department located in the George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Sciences Research Building at the world-renowned UT MD Anderson in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. The focus is on advancing knowledge of the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate normal and abnormal cellular processes.

The Senior Research Assistant will independently coordinate and conduct research projects while providing technical and operational support to two collaborative cancer biology laboratories (Romero and Vaishnavi). The position will perform advanced experimental studies in cancer biology, genetics, and molecular biology, with a strong emphasis on mouse models of cancer.

Responsibilities include designing and conducting animal studies involving intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor implantation, environmental exposures, tracheal intubation, survival surgery, tissue collection and processing, histology, and preparation of samples for sequencing and pathological analyses. The incumbent will also manage breeding strategies, genotyping, colony maintenance, and animal husbandry.

The Senior Research Assistant will also support laboratory operations by developing standard operating procedures, coordinating workflows, maintaining equipment and inventories, and ensuring compliance with institutional safety and animal welfare requirements. The position will train and mentor students and laboratory personnel, maintain accurate research documentation, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision. Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor, initiative, and effective collaboration with investigators and trainees are essential. This position is well suited for an experienced researcher seeking a long-term role in a dynamic, multidisciplinary cancer research environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master's Degree in Basic Sciences or a Medical Degree along with research experience supporting advanced cancer biology, genetics, molecular biology, and animal model studies. Strong experience with genetically engineered mouse models, tumor implantation studies, preclinical therapeutic interventions, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, genome engineering methods, laboratory operations, and mentoring laboratory personnel is highly preferred.

Minimum $24.76 - Midpoint $31.01 - Maximum $37.26 per hour

Work Location: Texas Medical Center

The typical work schedule is Onsite

Why Us?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research while working alongside leading investigators in a highly collaborative scientific environment. The position provides long-term professional growth through exposure to advanced experimental techniques, multidisciplinary research initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and meaningful contributions to discoveries that support the mission of UT MD Anderson. Employees also benefit from comprehensive benefits and programs that support work-life balance and career 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

Laboratory & Animal Studies

• Plan and execute experimental studies while evaluating, interpreting, and documenting results.
• Collaborate closely with Principal Investigators on lung and prostate cancer biology projects using genetically engineered mouse models, tumor transplantation models, and therapeutic intervention studies.
• Adopt new techniques and develop innovative experimental approaches to advance research objectives.
• Perform laboratory studies using flow cytometry, tissue culture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry.
• Prepare samples for sequencing-based analyses and next-generation sequencing workflows as needed.
• Conduct animal studies involving tumor cell injections, viral delivery, genotyping, drug administration, imaging, monitoring, and documentation of experimental progress.
• Perform necropsies and prepare tissues for histological and molecular analyses.
• Work with conventional and immunocompromised mouse models.
• Design and execute animal studies involving intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor implantation, environmental exposures, tracheal intubation, survival surgery, tissue harvesting, and tissue processing.
• Manage breeding strategies, colony maintenance, genotyping, and animal husbandry activities.

Laboratory Research Activities

• Conduct independent laboratory projects utilizing molecular biology, cellular biology, protein biology, imaging, and data analysis techniques.
• Perform cloning, DNA and RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization, RNA sequencing, and CRISPR editing procedures.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform growth, migration, colony formation, drug response, transfection, viral production, and viral infection assays.
• Execute western blotting, protein immunoprecipitation, immunostaining, and mass spectrometry-based assays.
• Utilize microscopy techniques for imaging and quantitative analysis.
• Perform RNA sequencing data analysis and support related bioinformatics workflows.
• Collaborate with laboratory members on experimental studies and research initiatives.
• Request, organize, and manage patient specimens and patient‑derived materials.
• Present research findings at laboratory and departmental meetings as needed.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental data, procedures, and protocols.

Laboratory Operations & Compliance

• Develop and refine experimental techniques, methods, and standard operating procedures.
• Assemble, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Coordinate laboratory workflows and prioritize multiple concurrent research projects.
• Ensure compliance with institutional safety requirements and animal welfare regulations.
• Update and maintain laboratory inventories, stocks, and records for general and hazardous materials.
• Order, organize, and track laboratory supplies and materials.
• Support laboratory organization and operational efficiency.
• Maintain documentation required for research activities and regulatory compliance.

Training, Mentorship & Administrative Support

• Train and mentor students, junior staff, and laboratory personnel on research techniques and procedures.
• Provide guidance on best practices, protocol adherence, and research documentation.
• Assist with manuscript preparation and grant application activities.
• Help update and renew laboratory IBC and IRB protocols.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and implement solutions to support research goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Natural sciences or related field
• Preferred: A Master's Degree Basic sciences and a Medical Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: Three years Scientific or experimental research work experience or One year Required experience with preferred degree
• Preferred: Experience with genetically engineered mouse models, tumor implantation studies, preclinical therapeutic interventions, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, genome engineering methods, sequencing sample preparation, laboratory operations, mentoring personnel, and cancer biology research support

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.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 182636
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Day/Evening, Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 51,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 64,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 77,500
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

#LI-Onsite