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

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.

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

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