Research Assistant II

The Immunology department at MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks to determine the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of a wide range of processes by which the body recognizes and eliminates pathogens and use these findings to unleash the patient's own immune system against previously treatment-resistant cancers.

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to provide technical skills for basic research in immunology and coordinate experimental procedures while maintaining concise and complete written/computer records of experimental protocols and data in a research lab headed by Assistant Professor Dr. Hu.

Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69

Work Location:

Texas Medical Center

The typical work schedule is Onsite

As a Research Assistant II, you will directly support projects that drive advancements in immunology and cancer science while developing specialized technical expertise within a world-class institution. This role supports long‑term career growth through hands‑on experience, structured research workflows, and exposure to innovative technologies, all within an environment that promotes 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.

• Process tissues through dissection and isolate single cell suspensions using mechanical and enzymatic approaches.
• Optimize tissue dissociation methods to enhance cell yield and viability while minimizing perturbation to cell state.
• Maintain cell lines and primary cells using aseptic technique.
• Modify cell lines through transfection and electroporation with downstream verification by flow cytometry and microscopy.
• Prepare viral vectors in packaging cell lines and optimize purification and yield.
• Perform viral titration using qPCR and related approaches.
• Preserve and bank dissected tissues and prepare sections for immunofluorescence imaging.
• Stain tissue sections using antibodies or nucleotide probes and validate reagents and protocols.
• Acquire images using multiple imaging platforms and perform basic quality control and quantification.
• Conduct molecular cloning using restriction digestion, PCR, ligation, and Gibson assembly.

• Demonstrate attention to detail and careful planning of experimental procedures.
• Troubleshoot and solve problems independently.
• Maintain detailed, accessible documentation of procedures and experimental conditions within approved electronic notebooks.
• Organize raw and processed data in a consistent and accessible format.

• Maintain consumable stocks to ensure continuous availability of reagents and supplies.
• Enter laboratory orders promptly.
• Receive packages and store materials appropriately with proper inventory tracking.
• Coordinate maintenance and servicing of laboratory equipment.
• Follow biosafety and animal ethics policies and adhere to relevant IBC and ACUF protocols.

• Communicate results clearly to supervisors and coworkers.
• Understand and follow instructions delivered in person or via phone/teleconference.
• Collaborate effectively with other laboratory members.
• Communicate professionally with collaborators, vendors, and core facility staff.

• Required:
  
  Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
• Preferred:
  Master's Degree Basic Science or Medical Degree.

• Required:
  
  One year scientific or experimental research work experience or no experience required with preferred degree.
• Preferred:
  One year of scientific or experimental experience is a plus.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition…