Senior Research Assistant - Neurosurgery - Research

The Neurosurgery department has developed a world-class clinical program to manage all aspects of neurosurgical oncology, including complex brain and skull base tumors, spinal tumors, and intractable, cancer-related pain disorders. We work to discover new imaging and surgical techniques and methods to effectively treat and manage pain. The goal of our research is to improve survival rates and quality of life for our patients. 

Summary
The Senior Research Assistant applies laboratory-based technical expertise to support research projects focused on brain tumor development and progression. This role uses molecular genetics and computational methods to study neurovascular disease processes in brain tumors. The Senior Research Assistant plays a key role in advancing both basic and translational research within the Brain Tumor Center of the Cancer Neuroscience Program.

Scope of the Role
The primary purpose of the Senior Research Assistant position is to conduct laboratory and computational research to understand how the neurovascular unit and blood-brain barrier function during brain tumor growth. The Senior Research Assistant studies neovascularization and interactions within the brain microenvironment using molecular biology, computational biology, and pre-clinical mouse models.

This role includes hands-on in vivo work, including mouse handling and analysis. Experience with mouse genotyping using PCR is important. The Senior Research Assistant supports research across the Brain Tumor Center and contributes to expanding the laboratory’s research directions.
The Senior Research Assistant  is responsible for organizing laboratory supplies and reagents needed for mouse genotyping and analysis. This role also includes analyzing transcriptomic datasets to support ongoing studies and help grow the laboratory’s research portfolio.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong expertise in developing and utilizing primary cell culture systems, isolating cells from mice for transcriptomic and genomic analyses, and performing experimental mouse manipulations. They will have experience in neurovascular biology and in the characterization of genetically engineered mouse models, including routine mouse handling and PCR-based genotyping. The candidate will be responsible for organizing and managing supplies and reagents required for genotyping and mouse model analysis, as well as analyzing transcriptomic datasets to support the laboratory’s research mission and help expand the research program into new directions. Additionally, at least five years of experience in scientific or experimental research work is also preferred. 

This position is 100% onsite, with working hours Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Flexibility is important as this position may require working various weekends as needed. 

At MD Anderson, we offer careers built on care, growth, and balance. Our employees enjoy a benefits package designed to support every stage of life, starting on day one.

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
• Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
• Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
• Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups

Essential Job Functions
The Senior Research Assistant performs the following essential functions:

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and participates in laboratory-based and computational research projects.
• Leads and reviews the work of assigned staff, sets research goals, evaluates results, and adjusts methods as needed.
• Oversees the design, development, or modification of experimental equipment to achieve research objectives.
• Compiles research findings, prepares written reports, and submits results to supervisors.
• Plans and oversees training for technicians and laboratory staff on proper techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures.

Senior Research Assistant 
Key Functions and Responsibilities

• Organizes, coordinates, and participates in scientific research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Defines research objectives, evaluates data, and develops or revises experimental approaches to solve research problems.
• Under PI guidance, develops new research areas based on prior experience.
• Records and analyzes data from mouse studies, including genotyping results, tumor formation rates, survival data, angiogenesis, and endothelial barrier integrity in brain development and cancer.
• Stays current with scientific literature and laboratory techniques relevant to the field.
• Presents research findings at laboratory and departmental meetings.
• Prepares scientific analyses and assists with the writing of manuscripts for publication.
• Follows all institutional and departmental safety policies related to laboratory work, including biochemical and radiation safety.
• Properly handles and disposes of radioactive and biohazardous materials according to established procedures.
• Generates data that will contribute to first-author scientific publications focused on brain tumor vasculature and therapeutic strategies targeting blood vessels in brain cancer.
• Maintains detailed and accurate experimental records in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems, written in English.
• Regularly discusses experimental data and progress with the supervisor.
• Records and interprets results from both in vitro and in vivo experiments.
• Maintains and updates records for cell lines, tissue samples, and analytical materials produced in the lab or received from other research groups.
• Collaborates with other researchers to design experiments involving profiling of brain tumors and associated vascular and tumor cells.
• Applies computational biology approaches, including single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and bulk RNA sequencing, to analyze brain tumor samples from animal models and surgically resected tissue.

Why Join MD Anderson

• Be part of a world‑renowned cancer center recognized for excellence in patient care, research and education.
• Work alongside leading specialists who are shaping the future of clinical and academic medicine.
• Grow your career with strong professional development and learning opportunities.
• Contribute to programs that directly impact patient outcomes and advance medical knowledge.
• Join a mission‑driven organization focused on improving lives through breakthrough care and innovation.