Senior Research Assistant - Experimental Therapeutics

Senior Research Assistant

The Experimental Therapeutics department at MD Anderson focuses on the discovery and development of innovative cancer treatments through translational research. This includes identifying novel drug targets, designing and testing new therapeutic agents, and advancing them from preclinical studies to early-phase clinical trials. The team integrates molecular biology, pharmacology, and advanced technologies to accelerate the development of personalized cancer therapies. Collaboration across disciplines ensures that promising compounds and strategies move efficiently toward improving patient outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have extensive laboratory experience, including cell culture, handling patient tissues, and working with macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. They should be skilled in maintaining cancer cell lines using sterile techniques, familiar with safety procedures for patient samples, and knowledgeable in molecular biology and advanced immunology methods. Strong adherence to protocols involving hazardous or radioactive substrates and accurate record‑keeping of environmental surveys and reagents is required.

Maintain stock cancer cell lines growing, expanding, freezing utilizing sterile techniques. Familiarity with safety procedures for handling patient samples. Ability to isolate and assay macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. Knowledge of molecular biology and advanced immunology techniques. Procedure adherence concerning the use of hazardous and/or radioactive substrates. Maintain appropriate environmental surveys and records of hazardous/radioactive chemicals/reagents.

Manually record data for experiments, which includes analysis of data and preparation of graphs, charts, and/or tables suitable for publication in scientific journals. Possess knowledge of word processing programs (MS Word) and spreadsheets (Excel). Discuss results from each assay upon completion to insure accuracy and comparability with previous results of similar assays. Reconcile discrepancies as soon as possible.

Help teach laboratory techniques to graduate students, surgical fellows and other research personnel as needed. Assist other personnel in laboratory with handling of experimental animals as needed, which may include injection of cancer cells, assessing tumor size, and harvesting tumors. Read and discuss selected literature pertaining to research projects.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge cancer research within the Experimental Therapeutics department at MD Anderson. The Senior Research Assistant will play a key role in advancing innovative therapies through hands‑on laboratory work, data analysis, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Ideal candidates will bring strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to scientific excellence, helping drive discoveries that improve patient outcomes.

Other duties as assigned.

• Required:
  
  Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences or related field.
• Preferred:
  Master's Degree in Basic Sciences.
• Preferred:
  Medical Degree.

• Required:
  
  Three years of scientific or experimental research work experience.
• Required:
  
  One year of required experience 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.

This institution is committed to 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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

• Requisition
• Employment Status:
  Full-Time
• Employee Status:
  Regular
• Work Week:
  Day/Evening, Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 51,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 64,500
• Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 77,500
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type:
  Soft
• Work Location:
  
  Onsite
• Pivotal Position:
  Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?:
  No
• Relocation Assistance Available?:
  Yes

Minimum Salary: $51,500 | Midpoint Salary: $64,500 | Salary Midpoint: $64,500

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium)…