Research Assistant II - Leukemia

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading academic cancer center dedicated to cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Leukemia department, the Research Assistant II supports critical laboratory and biospecimen operations that advance leukemia research, biobanking initiatives, and translational science programs. The Research Assistant II works with clinical and research teams to ensure the integrity, processing, storage, and documentation of valuable patient specimens.

The Research Assistant II plays a key role in supporting laboratory workflows, maintaining biospecimen inventories, and performing molecular and cellular biology techniques. The Research Assistant II contributes directly to research efforts by processing samples, maintaining laboratory records, supporting protocol compliance, and assisting with laboratory operations essential to the mission of UT MD Anderson.

The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II position will have education and experience that support laboratory research, biospecimen processing, and molecular or cellular biology techniques. Candidates should demonstrate strong attention to detail, experience working in a research laboratory environment, proficiency in sample handling and documentation, and the ability to work independently while maintaining compliance with laboratory safety standards. Licenses and certifications are not specified.

Salary Information (40-hour work week):
Minimum $45,000 - Midpoint Salary $56,500 - Maximum Salary - $68,000

Work Location:

Onsite
- Houston, Texas

Typical

Work Schedule:

Days

• 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.

• Maintain and organize leukemia banking samples and research biospecimens
• Process and store bone marrow and blood specimens following protocol requirements
• Coordinate with research nurses to obtain patient blood, bone marrow aspirates, and tumor samples
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and legible laboratory documentation
• Operate laboratory equipment for biospecimen processing and storage
• Review literature and confer with supervisors to update procedures
• Record and evaluate data as assigned
• Maintain attention to detail and alertness while working with samples
• Comply with institutional safety policies, including the use of biological safety cabinet
• Perform routine maintenance of ultra-low freezers and monitor liquid nitrogen, CO2, and water levels

• Perform bone marrow aspirate processing to produce mononuclear cells
• Complete serum extraction, DNA preparation, and RNA extraction
• Maintain tissue culture cell lines using proper sterile techniques
• Observe cells under the microscope and assess culture health
• Determine cell counts using a hemocytometer
• Perform small-volume pipetting tasks with accuracy
• Obtain and process samples consistently and promptly
• Troubleshoot laboratory issues and seek guidance as needed

• Demonstrate full understanding of assigned research projects and protocols
• Present project updates during weekly laboratory meetings
• Maintain organized handwritten and digital records of procedures and protocols
• Participate in SOP quality control reviews
• Perform biospecimen inventory checks and documentation reviews
• Collaborate with team members and directors to resolve workflow issues

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Required:
  
  Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
• Preferred:
  Master's Degree Basic Science.
• Preferred:
  Medical Degree

• Required:
  
  One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or no experience required with preferred degree.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical…