Mouse Research Assistant II

Overview

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

• Lab and Animal Studies
  • Plan, execute, evaluate, and interpret experimental studies using imagination, initiative, and inventiveness
  • Work closely with Principal Investigators on lung and prostate cancer projects using genetically engineered mouse models, tumor transplantation models, and therapeutic intervention studies
  • Perform laboratory studies including flow cytometry, tissue culture, growth and drug response assays, transfection, viral infection, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry
  • Conduct animal studies including tumor cell injections, viral delivery, genotyping, drug administration, imaging, necropsy, and tissue preparation for histological and molecular analyses
  • Independently perform animal procedures such as intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, tracheal intubations, survival surgeries, tissue harvesting, and environmental exposures
  • Maintain, breed, genotype, and manage mouse colonies while performing general husbandry tasks
• Techniques and Records
  • Participate in development, refinement, and adoption of experimental techniques and protocols
  • Assemble, construct, and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment
  • Maintain accurate experimental records and organized documentation
  • Ensure compliance with animal safety standards, protocols, and regulatory requirements
  • Assist with training personnel in animal techniques
• Reports and Grants
  • Collaborate with Principal Investigators and senior research staff on experimental reports, data summaries, and figures
  • Support preparation of materials for presentations, publications, and grant applications
  • Read scientific literature and confer with supervisors on new or modified procedures
• Laboratory Organization and Monitoring
  • Order, organize, and maintain laboratory supplies
  • Monitor laboratory safety standards and maintain hazardous material records
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of laboratory operations

• Education
  • Required:
    
    Bachelor's Degree Basic Science
  • Preferred:
    Master's Degree Basic Science and Medical Degree
• Experience
  • Required:
    
    One year scientific or experimental research work experience or no experience required with preferred degree
  • Preferred:
    Prior extensive hands-on experience with mouse handling, husbandry, genotyping, PCR, and tumor measurement. Prior tissue culture experience is a plus.

Salary range based on a 40-hour work week:
Minimum $21.63/hour
- Midpoint $27.16/hour
- Maximum $32.69/hour

Typical work schedule:
Onsite

Work location:

Texas Medical Center; onsite

This role offers the opportunity to directly support groundbreaking cancer biology research at one of the world s most respected cancer centers while building a long-term scientific career. The Research Assistant II contributes meaningfully to studies that advance understanding of cancer mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, while working alongside experienced investigators in a collaborative environment that values learning, innovation, and professional growth, with a strong commitment to work-life balance.

• 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.

• Security and integrity of critical infrastructure may be required; compliance to ensure continued security is a condition of hire and employment.
• Equal employment opportunity statement:
  The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center provides 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 law.

Requisition

Employment Status:
Full-Time

Work Location:

Onsite

FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

Fund Type:
Soft

Pivotal Position:
Yes

Referral Bonus Available?:
Yes