Research Assistant - Leukemia

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Leukemia department, the Research Assistant I supports laboratory and biorepository operations that are essential to advancing leukemia research through the collection, processing, preservation, and management of biological specimens.

The Research Assistant I plays a key role in maintaining specimen quality, supporting laboratory workflows, and ensuring accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. The Research Assistant I collaborates with laboratory staff to support specimen banking, inventory management, and routine research laboratory activities that contribute to the mission of UT MD Anderson.

The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant I role will have education and experience that support laboratory operations, biospecimen processing, specimen banking, data documentation, and adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory standards. Individuals with exposure to tissue culture techniques, specimen processing, cryopreservation, inventory management, and research laboratory environments are encouraged to apply.

Salary:
Min $39,500 Mid $49,500 Max $59,500

The typical work schedule is Days.

Work Location:

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.

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 infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

• Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines using sterile laboratory techniques.
• Observe and identify cell changes under a microscope to support culture maintenance.
• Perform cell counts using a hemocytometer or coulter counter.
• Perform specimen aliquoting, labeling, cryopreservation, and storage procedures.
• Maintain specimen integrity and chain of custody throughout processing activities.
• Ensure specimens are processed within established timelines to preserve quality and viability.
• Retrieve and distribute banked specimens for approved research studies and laboratory requests.

• Perform routine laboratory procedures under supervision including PBMC and BMMC isolation.
• Conduct cell counting and viability assessments.
• Perform cryopreservation activities for research…