Research Assistant II - GI Medical Oncology

Research Assistant II

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to eliminating cancer through integrated programs in patient care, research, prevention, and education. As a leading institution in cancer research and treatment, UT MD Anderson advances scientific discovery through innovative laboratory and translational research programs that improve outcomes for patients in Texas, the nation, and the world.

The Research Assistant II position supports the Department of GI Medical Oncology by providing technical and research support for a variety of translational cancer research projects. The Research Assistant II will assist with molecular biology experiments, tissue processing, cell culture, histological procedures, and laboratory operations. The Research Assistant II role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge cancer research while working in a collaborative environment focused on scientific advancement and professional development.

The ideal candidate will have experience or exposure to molecular biology techniques, tissue processing, cell culture, immunostaining procedures, and research documentation. Candidates should possess strong scientific aptitude, organizational skills, and a willingness to learn new laboratory techniques while collaborating effectively with research staff and investigators.

Salary:
Minimum $45,000.00 - Midpoint $56,500.00 - Maximum $68,000.00

Typical

Work Schedule:

Days

Work Location:

Onsite located in Houston

• 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.

• Perform DNA extraction, RNA extraction, and protein extraction procedures.
• Measure DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations using established laboratory methods.
• Conduct DNA, RNA, and protein gel electrophoresis experiments.
• Perform real‑time quantitative RT-PCR assays.
• Execute recombinant DNA cloning procedures, including transformation and mutagenesis.
• Generate knockout cell lines for research studies.
• Utilize antibodies in immunostaining applications.
• Perform indirect immunofluorescence techniques for flow cytometry.
• Perform immunohistochemistry procedures.
• Support bioengineering studies involving microfluidics chips, neuromodulation, and intravital imaging.

• Receive human tissue specimens for research use.
• Log and track tissue specimens using established documentation procedures.
• Process human tissue specimens for laboratory research activities.
• Conduct enzymatic tissue dissociation procedures.
• Conduct mechanical tissue dissociation procedures.
• Isolate cells from human tissue specimens.
• Prepare biological specimens harvested from mouse models.
• Dissect mice for research‑related tissue collection.
• Fix and embed tissues for histological analysis.
• Perform immunostaining procedures on tissue specimens.

• Maintain tissue cultures for ongoing research studies.
• Maintain 3D patient‑derived organoid cultures.
• Maintain microfluidics‑based microtissues.
• Maintain various immune cell cultures.
• Perform cryopreservation of human tissue‑derived cells.
• Recover cryopreserved human tissue‑derived cells.
• Maintain established cell lines using standard tissue culture techniques.
• Plate cells and monitor cell growth.
• Determine cell counts and evaluate cell viability.
• Perform transient transfections, stable transfections, proliferation assays, and functional assays.

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental data.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory protocols.
• Analyze research data using computer applications.
• Organize and plot research data for…