Senior Research Assistant - Pediatrics Research (Mice Experience)

The Pediatrics Research department at MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of childhood cancers through innovative translational research. Working alongside physician-scientists and multidisciplinary research teams, the department develops novel disease models and investigates the molecular mechanisms driving pediatric cancers with the goal of improving therapies and outcomes for young patients.

This Senior Research Assistant position offers the opportunity to play a key role in preclinical cancer research focused on genetically engineered mouse models and advanced molecular biology techniques. The role is ideal for an experienced research professional who enjoys working independently, mentoring others, and contributing to cutting-edge pediatric oncology research.

In this role, you will perform a variety of advanced laboratory and animal research activities, including generating genetically engineered mouse models, breeding and genotyping animals, monitoring tumor development, and supporting preclinical cancer studies. You will also perform a wide range of molecular biology techniques, including PCR, immunohistochemistry, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Western blotting, and bioluminescence assays while assisting laboratory members with experimental procedures as needed.

A significant aspect of this position is mentorship and laboratory leadership. You will train and mentor new laboratory personnel and students by demonstrating standard operating procedures and ensuring laboratory techniques are performed accurately and consistently. Candidates who enjoy sharing their knowledge and helping develop the next generation of researchers will find this role especially rewarding.

You will also maintain comprehensive research documentation and laboratory records, ensuring experiments are accurately recorded in organized laboratory notebooks while supporting data integrity and research reproducibility. Success in this role requires strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

The ideal candidate will have experience with animal models, molecular biology techniques, and laboratory research, along with the ability to independently manage experiments while contributing to a collaborative scientific environment. Individuals who are passionate about pediatric cancer research and advancing discoveries from the laboratory toward improved patient outcomes will thrive in this position.

MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, and additional benefits, along with the opportunity to build a rewarding research career at one of the world's leading cancer centers dedicated to advancing pediatric cancer care through scientific discovery and innovation.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Research Activities

Individual will genetically engineer mouse models, breed animals, genotype progeny and monitor mice for tumor formation.

Individual will complete a wide array of experimental procedures including PCR, immunohistochemistry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, Western blotting and bioluminescence assays.

Individual will assist lab members with various experimental techniques as needed.

Mentorship and Training

Verbally instructs and visually demonstrates to new personnel and students the proper performance of all Standard Operating Procedures.

Documentation and Record Keeping

Maintain an up-to-date, organized, accurate, and legible lab notebook that records all experiments and tests in detail.

Other duties as assigned

Competencies

Analytical Thinking - Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.

Listen to Others- Listen to feedback and input carefully, demonstrate attention to others, acknowledge and listen to differing perspectives in a group.

Oral Communication- express ideas clearly and concisely in groups and on-to-one conversations, create an environment with open channels of communication.

Team with Others- Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks, encourage collaboration and input form all team members, value the contributions of all team members, balance individual and team goals.

Technical/Functional Expertise - Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job, possess up-to-dateknowledge in the profession, provide technical expertise to others.