Research Assistant II - Lymphoma Myeloma

Research Assistant II

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Lymphoma-Myeloma Research department supports translational and clinical research programs focused on advancing scientific discovery through biospecimen collection, laboratory processing, clinical research support, and research data management. The Research Assistant II contributes to these efforts by supporting research operations that facilitate high-quality specimen handling and patient-centered research activities.

The Research Assistant II works closely with investigators, clinical operations teams, research staff, and patients to support research protocols and study objectives. The Research Assistant II plays an important role in biospecimen management, regulatory compliance, clinical research support, and data collection activities. The Research Assistant II helps ensure research processes are conducted accurately, safely, and in accordance with institutional standards.

The ideal candidate will possess experience supporting translational and clinical research activities involving biospecimen processing, patient interaction, data management, and regulatory compliance. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of human subjects research requirements, Protected Health Information guidelines, biospecimen handling procedures, and the ability to maintain accurate research documentation and databases.

Salary Range (Hourly Equivalent):
Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69

Work Location:

Houston, TX (Onsite)

The typical work schedule is Days.

At UT MD Anderson, the Research Assistant II has the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research that improves patient outcomes. This role offers exposure to innovative translational and clinical research programs while supporting professional development, collaboration with leading researchers and clinicians, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote career growth and 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.

• Process human subject tissue samples daily, including tumor biopsies, blood, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, and cellular therapy products according to SOPs.
• Collect tissue from clinical operations teams, including standard-of-care and clinical trial research biospecimens.
• Maintain accurate sample logs and database entries to support biospecimen banking and retrieval.
• Provide real-time feedback regarding biospecimen collection best practices and handling guidelines.
• Ensure sample quality aligns with project-specific research goals and requirements.
• Coordinate implementation of new research protocol collection processes independently.
• Establish and maintain databases supporting new research collection activities.
• Identify suitable biospecimen samples based on scientific rationale for research requests.
• Assemble sample vials and manifests with 100% accuracy for distribution to internal and external research groups.
• Maintain compliance with human subjects research regulations, PHI requirements, and biospecimen safety regulations.

• Enter order requests within the institutional Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
• Ensure research supplies are available to support successful specimen collections.
• Perform informed consent procedures for minimal-risk research protocols in accordance with institutional policies and research guidelines.
• Educate patients regarding participation in research studies for which they meet enrollment criteria.
• Assist patients with study questionnaires and other research-related procedures.

• Record patient information accurately from the Electronic Medical Record into study databases.
• Document biospecimen and sample collection details in study records.
• Record outcomes of patient study visits within study databases.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely research…