Research Assistant Genitourinary Medical Oncology Research

The primary function of the Research Assistant I position involves conducting basic research in cancer biology, focusing on various types such as prostate, bladder, kidney, and breast cancer. The role emphasizes the use of murine models and histopathological analysis of human and mouse tissues. In addition to research, the assistant will help manage the lab operations, collaborate in maintaining the existing mouse colony and developing new mouse models.

The successful candidate should have a strong motivation to learn new skills and be able to meticulously document experiments, data obtained, and interpret results. Proficiency in computer skills is crucial, particularly in entering experimental data into graphic and statistical programs and generating figures. The assistant is expected to provide technical and coordination skills for various research projects, including coordinating procedures with collaborators and performing technical laboratory duties following general or specific plans.

• 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.

Planning and Execution of Experiments
:
The employee will conduct research experiments, discuss project goals with supervisors, receive verbal and/or written instructions, ask clarifying questions, and develop step‑by‑step written procedures. The role requires clear communication, good reading and writing skills, and the ability to document experiments and communicate results to principal investigators and collaborators.

Animal Techniques
:
Candidate should be well‑trained in mouse models, including breeding, tagging, weaning, genotyping, tissue harvesting, and downstream processing. Responsibilities include animal care, colony organization, xenograft and orthotopic tumor models, injections, gavage treatments, bleeds, euthanasia, necropsy, and other animal work.

Specific Tasks
:
Generate and analyze data for presentations and publications. Preferred skills include immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, western blot, immunoprecipitation, gene knockdown/knockout, transfection/transduction, proliferation/apoptosis studies, gene expression library construction, RT‑PCR, gel electrophoresis, cell culture, cryopreservation, DNA/RNA/protein preparation, next‑generation sequencing, microarray, methylation array, and protein array analyses. Perform animal experiments testing anticancer agents in vivo per IACUC‑approved protocols.

Ordering Supplies and Equipment Maintenance
:
Periodically review and place orders for laboratory supplies; assist in assembly, operation, and maintenance of equipment.

Tissue Culture and Handling of Hazardous Biological Materials
:
Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines, perform sterile techniques, observe cell changes, determine cell counts, prepare sterile media, and handle cryogenic storage. Apply precautions against blood‑borne pathogens and handle radioactive isotopes, chemical hazards, and biohazards per institutional guidelines.

Guidance and Supervision
:
Guide, teach, supervise, and assist students, collaborators, and laboratory members in accomplishing research tasks.

Other duties as assigned. All responsibilities require strong English language skills, including spelling, writing, and verbal communication, both face‑to‑face and over the phone.

Required:

Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Science.

Required:

None.

Preferred:
Laboratory experience such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and comfort with handling mice.

• Requisition
• Employment Status:
  Full‑Time
• Employee Status:
  Regular
• Work Week:
  Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 39,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 49,500
• Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 59,500
• FLSA: non‑exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type:
  Soft
• Work Location:
  
  Onsite
• Pivotal Position:
  Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?:
  Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?:
  Yes

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.