Research Assistant I
- Requisition #: 179026
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 5/15/2026
Genetics is a basic science department located in the George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Sciences Research Building at the world-renowned University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. The focus is on advancing knowledge of the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate normal and abnormal cellular processes.
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I in Dr. Trakala's lab is to provide technical assistance in either 1) animal genotyping and experiments, 2) tissue processing and immunohistochemistry, or 3) molecular biology and immunoblot analysis. Duties will include assistance with organizing reagents and samples, and assistance with general laboratory duties including ordering lab reagents, consumables and receiving shipments. The position requires independent decision-making, judgment and high organizational skills. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining safety standards in the laboratory.
The ideal candidate is highly motivated, committed to research, and able to provide at least a one-year commitment, with a strong preference for a two-year or longer commitment.
Minimum $19.00 - Midpoint $23.80 - Maximum $28.61
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
Why Us?
This position directly contributes to scientific discovery by supporting research programs that advance understanding of genomic stability and tumor development, while offering opportunities to build technical skills, broaden laboratory experience, and grow professionally in a collaborative environment that values both scientific excellence 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.
Responsibilities
Laboratory & Research Support
• Support the principal investigator in all research and laboratory efforts
• Organize laboratory reagents, samples, and consumables
• Maintain adherence to laboratory safety standards
Animal Research & Care
• Perform animal experiments including breeding, weaning, genotyping, bleeding, injections, tissue harvesting, and downstream analysis
• Maintain accurate animal inventory and ensure compliance with safety protocols
• Train new laboratory members in animal techniques
Molecular & Cellular Techniques
• Perform standard molecular biology procedures
• Conduct tissue culture activities
• Assist with immunoblot analysis
• Support tissue processing and immunohistochemistry
Laboratory Operations
• Order laboratory reagents and supplies
• Receive and organize laboratory shipments
Professional Development
• Demonstrate proactive willingness to learn new techniques and scientific methods
EDUCATION
WORK EXPERIENCE
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 primary purpose of the Research Assistant I in Dr. Trakala's lab is to provide technical assistance in either 1) animal genotyping and experiments, 2) tissue processing and immunohistochemistry, or 3) molecular biology and immunoblot analysis. Duties will include assistance with organizing reagents and samples, and assistance with general laboratory duties including ordering lab reagents, consumables and receiving shipments. The position requires independent decision-making, judgment and high organizational skills. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining safety standards in the laboratory.
The ideal candidate is highly motivated, committed to research, and able to provide at least a one-year commitment, with a strong preference for a two-year or longer commitment.
Minimum $19.00 - Midpoint $23.80 - Maximum $28.61
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
Why Us?
This position directly contributes to scientific discovery by supporting research programs that advance understanding of genomic stability and tumor development, while offering opportunities to build technical skills, broaden laboratory experience, and grow professionally in a collaborative environment that values both scientific excellence 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.
Responsibilities
Laboratory & Research Support
• Support the principal investigator in all research and laboratory efforts
• Organize laboratory reagents, samples, and consumables
• Maintain adherence to laboratory safety standards
Animal Research & Care
• Perform animal experiments including breeding, weaning, genotyping, bleeding, injections, tissue harvesting, and downstream analysis
• Maintain accurate animal inventory and ensure compliance with safety protocols
• Train new laboratory members in animal techniques
Molecular & Cellular Techniques
• Perform standard molecular biology procedures
• Conduct tissue culture activities
• Assist with immunoblot analysis
• Support tissue processing and immunohistochemistry
Laboratory Operations
• Order laboratory reagents and supplies
• Receive and organize laboratory shipments
Professional Development
• Demonstrate proactive willingness to learn new techniques and scientific methods
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: None
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: 179026
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Day/Evening, 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
#LI-Onsite
