Institute Associate Scientist II In-vivo
- Requisition #: 182845
- Department: Belfer Neurodegeneration Cnsrt
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 9/3/2026
The Institute Assistant Scientist II plays a critical role in collaborative scientific research by contributing to laboratory studies, drug discovery initiatives, and cross-functional project teams. The Institute Assistant Scientist II works closely with interdisciplinary researchers to generate meaningful data, support preclinical development efforts, and help accelerate the translation of scientific findings into potential therapies. As part of a research-focused environment, the Institute Assistant Scientist II contributes to advancing the mission of UT MD Anderson through scientific excellence and innovation.
The ideal candidate will have experience supporting in vivo research studies, including hands-on work with mouse models in a laboratory setting. Preferred experience includes animal handling and dosing, tissue collection and processing, biological sample collection, animal colony management. Candidates should have the ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team, contribute to drug discovery and translational research efforts, and apply strong organizational and analytical skills to support study execution. Flexibility is essential, as some experiments require completion outside of standard business hours, including occasional weekend work to support study timelines and research objectives.
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative diseases and cancer-related neurological disorders. Team members collaborate with experts across multiple scientific disciplines, participate in innovative drug discovery programs, and gain valuable experience in a dynamic research environment that supports professional growth and meaningful scientific impact.
• 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.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Know your business:
* Under moderate supervision, contribute to carefully planned project activities through laboratory experiments.
* Serve as the coordinating scientist for in vivo pharmacology experiments and mouse breeding
* Maintain animal models of neurodegenerative diseases
* Oral and other dosing of mice
* Collect biological samples from models of disease including genetically engineered mouse colonies.
* Collect biological samples from human blood and PBMCs and perform analysis.
* Working with a team, design and execute pharmacological studies involving animal models of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.
* Utilize immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques in brain slices to identify specific expression of relevant proteins following in vivo drug dosing experiments.
Technical/Functional Expertise:
Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.
-Apply basic technical/functional knowledge to complete work. Meet essential position requirements.
Know your business of your department/institute:
* Contribute to project team.
* Employ safe lab practices
* Maintain research records and laboratory notes.
Self-Adaptability:
* Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility
Change Agent:
* Analyze data and prepare written and oral reports to project teams.
* Interact closely with other research staff across institutional functional teams.
* Participate in an integrated drug discovery research team by engaging in interaction with scientists of different disciplines.
Analytical Thinking:
* Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.
EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's Degree Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.
Preferred: Master's Degree Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: One year relevant research experience in a lab. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred: Experience supporting in vivo research studies, including hands-on work with mouse models in a laboratory setting. Experience includes animal handling and dosing, tissue collection and processing, biological sample collection, animal colony management.
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.
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.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
The ideal candidate will have experience supporting in vivo research studies, including hands-on work with mouse models in a laboratory setting. Preferred experience includes animal handling and dosing, tissue collection and processing, biological sample collection, animal colony management. Candidates should have the ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team, contribute to drug discovery and translational research efforts, and apply strong organizational and analytical skills to support study execution. Flexibility is essential, as some experiments require completion outside of standard business hours, including occasional weekend work to support study timelines and research objectives.
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative diseases and cancer-related neurological disorders. Team members collaborate with experts across multiple scientific disciplines, participate in innovative drug discovery programs, and gain valuable experience in a dynamic research environment that supports professional growth and meaningful scientific impact.
• 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.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Know your business:
* Under moderate supervision, contribute to carefully planned project activities through laboratory experiments.
* Serve as the coordinating scientist for in vivo pharmacology experiments and mouse breeding
* Maintain animal models of neurodegenerative diseases
* Oral and other dosing of mice
* Collect biological samples from models of disease including genetically engineered mouse colonies.
* Collect biological samples from human blood and PBMCs and perform analysis.
* Working with a team, design and execute pharmacological studies involving animal models of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.
* Utilize immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques in brain slices to identify specific expression of relevant proteins following in vivo drug dosing experiments.
Technical/Functional Expertise:
Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.
-Apply basic technical/functional knowledge to complete work. Meet essential position requirements.
Know your business of your department/institute:
* Contribute to project team.
* Employ safe lab practices
* Maintain research records and laboratory notes.
Self-Adaptability:
* Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility
Change Agent:
* Analyze data and prepare written and oral reports to project teams.
* Interact closely with other research staff across institutional functional teams.
* Participate in an integrated drug discovery research team by engaging in interaction with scientists of different disciplines.
Analytical Thinking:
* Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.
EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's Degree Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.
Preferred: Master's Degree Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: One year relevant research experience in a lab. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred: Experience supporting in vivo research studies, including hands-on work with mouse models in a laboratory setting. Experience includes animal handling and dosing, tissue collection and processing, biological sample collection, animal colony management.
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.
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.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 182845
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 64,875
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 82,500
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 97,400
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Soft
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
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