Senior Research Assistant

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

The Senior Research Assistant will independently coordinate and conduct research projects while providing technical and operational support to two collaborative cancer biology laboratories (Romero and Vaishnavi). The position will perform advanced experimental studies in cancer biology, genetics, and molecular biology, with a strong emphasis on mouse models of cancer. Responsibilities include designing and conducting animal studies involving intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor implantation, environmental exposures, tracheal intubation, survival surgery, tissue collection and processing, histology, and preparation of samples for sequencing and pathological analyses.

The incumbent will also manage breeding strategies, genotyping, colony maintenance, and animal husbandry.

The Senior Research Assistant will also support laboratory operations by developing standard operating procedures, coordinating workflows, maintaining equipment and inventories, and ensuring compliance with institutional safety and animal welfare requirements. The position will train and mentor students and laboratory personnel, maintain accurate research documentation, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision. Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor, initiative, and effective collaboration with investigators and trainees are essential.

This position is well suited for an experienced researcher seeking a long-term role in a dynamic, multidisciplinary cancer research environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master's Degree in Basic Sciences or a Medical Degree along with research experience supporting advanced cancer biology, genetics, molecular biology, and animal model studies. Strong experience with genetically engineered mouse models, tumor implantation studies, preclinical therapeutic interventions, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, genome engineering methods, laboratory operations, and mentoring laboratory personnel is highly preferred.

Minimum $24.76 - Midpoint $31.01 - Maximum $37.26 per hour

Work Location:

Texas Medical Center

The typical work schedule is Onsite

• 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.

• Plan and execute experimental studies while evaluating, interpreting, and documenting results.
• Collaborate closely with Principal Investigators on lung and prostate cancer biology projects using genetically engineered mouse models, tumor transplantation models, and therapeutic intervention studies.
• Adopt new techniques and develop innovative experimental approaches to advance research objectives.
• Perform laboratory studies using flow cytometry, tissue culture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry.
• Prepare samples for sequencing-based analyses and next-generation sequencing workflows as needed.
• Conduct animal studies involving tumor cell injections, viral delivery, genotyping, drug administration, imaging, monitoring, and documentation of experimental progress.
• Perform necropsies and prepare tissues for histological and molecular analyses.
• Work with conventional and immunocompromised mouse models.
• Design and execute animal studies involving intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor implantation, environmental exposures, tracheal intubation, survival surgery, tissue harvesting, and tissue processing.
• Manage breeding strategies, colony maintenance, genotyping, and animal husbandry activities.

• Conduct independent laboratory projects utilizing molecular biology,…