Research Assistant II - Psychiatry

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned cancer center dedicated to eliminating cancer through integrated research, education, prevention, and patient care. The Research Assistant II role supports innovative translational neuroscience research that bridges discoveries in the laboratory with clinical interventions for cancer patients. This position offers exposure to molecular biology, preclinical research, neuroimaging, biomarker development, and clinical trial operations within a highly collaborative research environment.

UT MD Anderson's translational neuroscience program provides a unique opportunity for the Research Assistant II to work across wet laboratory, animal research, and clinical research settings. The Research Assistant II collaborates with investigators, clinicians, and research staff to advance scientific discoveries while supporting patient-centered research activities. The Research Assistant II contributes directly to studies designed to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with cancer.

The ideal candidate will have wet laboratory research experience and an interest in expanding technical expertise across molecular biology, preclinical animal models, neuroimaging, and clinical trial biomarker workflows. Candidates should be comfortable working in a patient-facing environment, demonstrate a willingness to learn new techniques, and possess the professionalism required to support research activities under Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $56,500 - $68,000

Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to translational neuroscience research that advances cancer care while developing expertise across laboratory science, preclinical models, neuroimaging, biomarker discovery, and clinical trial operations. The position provides meaningful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and supports professional growth while contributing to UT MD Anderson's mission to eliminate cancer through exceptional research and patient-focused innovation.
• 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

Clinical Research & Compliance

• Ensure assigned studies are conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice, federal regulations, and institutional policies
• Develop and maintain systems for coding, editing, and computer entry of research study data
• Maintain continuous patient follow-up records and study documentation for assigned studies
• Design and maintain management reports using departmental and institutional databases
• Support clinical trial operations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate patient and tissue databases and research records

Laboratory Research & Molecular Biology • Perform tissue culture and molecular and cellular biology procedures
• Process RNA, DNA, and protein samples for research studies
• Conduct PCR, western blot, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry experiments
• Perform protein expression, purification, and drug-binding studies
• Conduct multiplex immunofluorescence, IHC, and related staining and imaging techniques
• Communicate experimental results to the Principal Investigator and research team
• Evaluate, analyze, compile, and accurately record experimental data

Preclinical Research & Animal Models • Conduct mouse model studies including orthotopic and xenograft tumor cell injections
• Perform tumor cell culture and tumor growth monitoring activities
• Support Von Frey testing procedures and data collection
• Assist with behavioral and mitochondrial assays for preclinical neurotoxicity models
• Log in vivo research data into tissue databases
• Maintain antibody inventory and laboratory stock materials
• Coordinate with husbandry and veterinary staff regarding animal health and care

Patient-Facing Research & Neuroimaging Support • Provide direct patient-facing support during clinical trial visits
• Collect, process, handle, and store blood, tissue, imaging, and biomarker samples
• Monitor participants during study treatment sessions in accordance with protocol requirements
• Coordinate fMRI scheduling, data retrieval, logging, and task supervision with neuroimaging teams
• Support supervised analysis of imaging data for clinical trial endpoints
• Ensure accurate biomarker tracking and continuous patient follow-up

Operations, Reporting & Collaboration • Maintain research equipment and monitor equipment maintenance needs
• Prepare protocol-specific reports and analyses supporting therapeutic efficacy decisions
• Assist faculty investigators with data file preparation for research studies
• Support manuscript preparation and grant submission activities
• Coordinate scientific experiments with technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff
• Monitor laboratory supplies, stock solutions, and inventory needs
• Attend departmental monthly meetings and research team meetings as required
• Utilize PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and GraphPad Prism for research-related activities
• Perform other duties assigned by the Principal Investigator and/or laboratory manager

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
• Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science.
• Preferred: Medical Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience. or
• Required: No experience required with preferred degree.

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: 182911
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 45,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 56,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 68,000
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: No
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: No

#LI-Hybrid