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Research Assistant II - Leukemia
The Research Assistant II – Leukemia
The Research Assistant II conducts hands-on work with rodent models, molecular assays, and laboratory equipment to ensure accurate data collection and reliable experimental outcomes. This position collaborates closely with principal investigators and laboratory teams to advance project goals and maintain operational continuity. They play a key role in ensuring research quality, safety compliance, and documentation accuracy within this research environment. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.
The ideal candidate has advanced training in basic science, experience with rodent handling, and familiarity with molecular and cellular techniques, along with strong laboratory maintenance skills and attention to detail.
The salary range for this position is: Minimum $45,000 – Midpoint $56,500 – Maximum $68,000.
Why Us?
This role directly supports leukemia research that informs new scientific insights and contributes to MD Anderson’s mission. It offers opportunities to expand technical skills in animal studies, molecular techniques, and laboratory operations while working in a collaborative setting focused on professional development 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.
Responsibilities
Animal Care & In Vivo Support
• Manage rodent breeding colonies by mating breeders, monitoring pregnancy, recording litters, and tracking pup development
• Identify pups for genotyping and perform weaning procedures
• Observe animal health conditions and clinical signs
• Dose and inject animals via PO, IV, IP, IM, and SC routes
• Collect tissues for hematology and genotyping assays
• Support in vivo experiments in accordance with project protocols
• Report animal status and issues twice weekly
Laboratory Operations & Documentation
• Create and manage animal lab research folders, files, and documents
• Enter data into spreadsheets or databases, maintain inventories, and generate reports
• Monitor consumable supply levels to ensure operational continuity
• Recommend replacement or purchase of new equipment
Molecular & Cellular Techniques
• Maintain and monitor cell cultures
• Perform molecular experiments including western blots and PCR
• Document experiments clearly and report to the principal investigator
• Collaborate on protocol optimization and troubleshooting
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety guidelines
Equipment Maintenance & Safety Compliance
• Perform routine maintenance on ultra-low freezers, liquid nitrogen systems, CO₂ systems, and water levels
• Maintain high-speed centrifuges, pH meters, and microfuges
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments using equipment and procedure manuals
• Lift and carry items up to 20–25 pounds and transport materials with a roller cart
• Comply with institutional safety policies, Universal Precautions, and OSHA standards
• Conduct procedures requiring a fume hood or biological safety cabinet
Communication & Collaboration
• Maintain open communication with supervisors, principal investigators, and personnel in both animal lab and bio-lab environments regarding project updates and issues
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science.
- Preferred: Medical Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience. or
- Required: 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 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.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
