Research Assistant

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within its Cancer Biology department, researchers have a long history of advancing basic and translational cancer biology research through strong collaborations with clinical departments that facilitate the exchange of knowledge between the laboratory and the clinic.

UT MD Anderson is seeking a Research Assistant I to provide technical support for laboratory research in cellular and membrane biology related to cancer and immunity. The Research Assistant I will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel to support laboratory studies, data collection, animal research activities, and routine laboratory operations. This Research Assistant I role offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative cancer research while developing hands‑on experience in a collaborative scientific environment.

The ideal candidate must be willing to assist with mouse studies. Experience in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique, fluorescence microscopy, mouse handling, flow cytometry, and basic image or data analysis is a plus.

Salary (40-hour work week):
Minimum $18.99/hour
- Midpoint $23.80/hour
- Maximum $28.61/hour

Work Location:

Texas Medical Center

Schedule:

Onsite

At UT MD Anderson, the Research Assistant I plays an important role in advancing cancer and immunity research that supports discoveries with potential clinical impact. This position offers opportunities to build technical laboratory skills, collaborate with experienced scientists, contribute to meaningful research projects, and grow within a world‑renowned academic research environment while maintaining a strong commitment to employee well‑being and professional development.

• 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 mammalian cell lines and primary cell cultures using aseptic technique.

Prepare media, buffers, and laboratory reagents for research studies.

Perform cell thawing, passaging, counting, seeding, and cryopreservation procedures.

Conduct experimental treatments and sample collection activities.

Monitor culture quality and laboratory standards.

Assist with cell-based assays, protocol optimization, and troubleshooting under supervision.

Prepare live and fixed samples for imaging studies.

Label samples using fluorescent probes, dyes, and antibodies.

Perform fluorescence microscopy and other image-based experiments following established protocols.

Maintain complete image acquisition records and sample documentation.

Perform basic image processing and quantitative analysis using approved workflows.

Assist with operation and routine maintenance of imaging equipment.

Assist with approved mouse studies following institutional training and authorization requirements.

Support animal research activities in accordance with IACUC protocols and laboratory procedures.

Perform colony maintenance and animal identification tasks.

Assist with genotyping, monitoring, experimental procedures, measurements, and tissue collection.

Maintain accurate animal and study records.

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