Senior Research Assistant - BRCA & Genome Instability Center

SUMMARY

This Senior Research Assistant performs and supports technical clinical research work as a key member of the Center for BRCA and Genome Instability, a new and comprehensive institutional hub that provides cutting‑edge research testing and therapeutic options, as well as high‑quality care to ultimately shift treatment paradigms and improve outcomes of patients with targetable molecular BRCA and related DNA Damage Response (DDR) genetic alterations and genome instability.

This position will help manage and train other technical personnel, as needed, to ensure success throughout the life cycles of the Center's studies.

The ideal candidate will have a background in the natural sciences and experience in scientific or experimental research, including bench work, sample collection, sample tracking, processing, and storage. Onsite presence is required to pick up and deliver samples between campuses.

• 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.

• Manages the collection of biospecimens and data and supports downstream evaluation.
• Responsible for major participation in the development and revision of techniques. Assembles and operates laboratory equipment for the Center and supports protocol modifications.
• Exercises considerable initiative and inventiveness in planning and executing experiments and in evaluating and interpreting results.
• Helps ensure the effective operation of protocols, which will require collaboration with clinical research administration, and multiple departments.
• Helps develop and maintain tracking systems for monitoring laboratory protocol activities.
• Assists with video‑based and in‑person consenting for trials, including cascade testing.

• Assists supervisor and senior research staff with the preparation of reports and other requests.
• Helps supervise technicians and support other laboratory staff and assists with their work as delegated.

• Assures appropriate documentation, compliance, and standard operating procedures are maintained.
• Maintains up‑to‑date knowledge of institutional policies and databases for execution of Center workflows.

Other duties as assigned.

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in natural sciences or related field.
• Preferred: Master's Degree in basic sciences.
• Preferred: Medical Degree.

• Required: Three years of scientific or experimental research work experience.
• Required: One year of required experience 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.

• Requisition
• Employment Status:
  Full‑Time
• Employee Status:
  Regular
• Work Week:
  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