Research Investigator - Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology

Research Investigator - Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Thoracic Head & Neck Department, the Research Investigator supports innovative translational and laboratory-based research focused on advancing scientific knowledge and improving outcomes for patients with cancer.

The Research Investigator is responsible for applying advanced technical expertise to design, perform, troubleshoot, and optimize complex wet-laboratory experiments while supporting multiple research projects. The Research Investigator collaborates closely with laboratory team members to generate high-quality data, develop new methodologies, and advance research objectives. The Research Investigator plays a critical role in sustaining laboratory operations and ensuring successful study execution within a highly regulated research environment.

The ideal candidate for the Research Investigator role will possess a strong background in laboratory research, experience designing and conducting complex wet-laboratory experiments, and the ability to analyze and interpret scientific data. Education, experience, and certification requirements are outlined below based on the information provided.

Salary Range (40-hour work week):
Minimum $28.37/hour
- Midpoint $35.58/hour
- Maximum $42.79/hour

Work Location:

Houston, TX (Onsite)

Typical

Work Schedule:

Days

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, the Research Investigator directly contributes to groundbreaking cancer research while working alongside leading scientists and clinicians.

This role offers the opportunity to develop technical expertise, support innovative discoveries, contribute to publications and grant-funded projects, and help advance UT MD Anderson's mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, prevention, and patient care.

- 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

Research Study Execution

- Design complex wet-laboratory experiments in support of multiple research projects.

- Organize laboratory activities required for the successful execution of research studies.

- Perform complex wet-laboratory experiments using established and emerging methodologies.

- Optimize experimental procedures to improve research outcomes and data quality.

Technical Leadership & Laboratory Support

- Provide technical expertise to support ongoing laboratory research activities.

- Troubleshoot experimental challenges and technical issues across multiple projects.

- Provide hands-on laboratory support to other members of the research group as needed.

- Assist with implementation of new laboratory techniques and technologies.

Protocol Development & Research Compliance

- Develop and establish experimental protocols for laboratory studies.

- Standardize laboratory procedures to promote consistency and reproducibility.

- Perform molecular experiments in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

- Perform cellular experiments in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

- Perform animal-based experiments involving animal tissues in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.

- Conduct studies involving human specimens in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.

Cell Culture & Laboratory Operations

- Maintain cultures of human cells using rigorous aseptic techniques.

- Maintain cultures of murine cells using rigorous aseptic techniques.

- Monitor cell morphology to ensure culture quality.

- Determine cell counts and viability for cultured cells.

- Ensure adherence to high-quality cell culture…