Research Assistant I
- Requisition #: 180341
- Location: Bastrop, TX
- Posted Date: 4/21/2026
The goal of the Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research is to eliminate cancer and allied diseases by developing and maintaining specialized programs in animal models, research and education. Our standard will be defined by quality of care and research service as well as compassion and respect for the needs of research animals. Research at the Keeling Center has led to the development of synthetic peptide-based candidate vaccines for the prevention and treatment of AIDS caused by HIV, and for the treatment of cervical precancerous lesions caused by high-risk human papillomaviruses.
SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to provide technical assistance in carrying out various research projects within an assigned laboratory in the Department of Comparative Medicine. The Research Assistant I provides research support to projects in animal areas as needed. This Research Assistant I may be subject to working in biocontainment areas requiring compliance with specific protocols. Initial and job-specific training will be provided to ensure successful performance in this role and compliance with all laboratory, safety, and regulatory requirements.
The ideal Research Assistant I will have a bachelor's degree in a basic science and laboratory experience is preferred. Excellent written and verbal skills and the ability to work independently as part of the a multidisciplinary team are required.
The typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., onsite.
Hourly salary range: Minimum $18.99 - Midpoint $23.80 - Maximum $28.61
What's in it for you:
• 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 Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB), 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.
Key Functions
Cell and Tissue Culture Support
• Process and maintain cell cultures as directed.
• Process samples for analysis utilizing bench top assays such as Elispot, Cytokine bead assay, flow cytometry and cell sorting, PCR and other common research modalities.
• Assist with collection of biological samples, infected blood and tissue and virus.
Research Support
• Conducts experiments and carries out research projects.
• Assist in performing special procedures as directed, using equipment in the Basic Research Laboratory.
• Retrieve electronic and hard-copy records and case files as directed.
• Perform research-related data compilation and analysis using spreadsheets or other data analysis systems.
• Process, perform, or submit for testing on various samples as directed.
• Obtain references/articles from on-line databases.
• Miscellaneous laboratory and research duties as assigned.
• Duties may involve the handling of laboratory animals.
Laboratory Organization and Compliance
• Perform quality control (QC) on research and study records.
• Gather and/or organize stored research-related data and samples as requested.
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
SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to provide technical assistance in carrying out various research projects within an assigned laboratory in the Department of Comparative Medicine. The Research Assistant I provides research support to projects in animal areas as needed. This Research Assistant I may be subject to working in biocontainment areas requiring compliance with specific protocols. Initial and job-specific training will be provided to ensure successful performance in this role and compliance with all laboratory, safety, and regulatory requirements.
The ideal Research Assistant I will have a bachelor's degree in a basic science and laboratory experience is preferred. Excellent written and verbal skills and the ability to work independently as part of the a multidisciplinary team are required.
The typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., onsite.
Hourly salary range: Minimum $18.99 - Midpoint $23.80 - Maximum $28.61
What's in it for you:
• 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 Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB), 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.
Key Functions
Cell and Tissue Culture Support
• Process and maintain cell cultures as directed.
• Process samples for analysis utilizing bench top assays such as Elispot, Cytokine bead assay, flow cytometry and cell sorting, PCR and other common research modalities.
• Assist with collection of biological samples, infected blood and tissue and virus.
Research Support
• Conducts experiments and carries out research projects.
• Assist in performing special procedures as directed, using equipment in the Basic Research Laboratory.
• Retrieve electronic and hard-copy records and case files as directed.
• Perform research-related data compilation and analysis using spreadsheets or other data analysis systems.
• Process, perform, or submit for testing on various samples as directed.
• Obtain references/articles from on-line databases.
• Miscellaneous laboratory and research duties as assigned.
• Duties may involve the handling of laboratory animals.
Laboratory Organization and Compliance
• Perform quality control (QC) on research and study records.
• Gather and/or organize stored research-related data and samples as requested.
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: None
- Preferred: Experience with a MD Anderson research laboratory.
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: 180341
- 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?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
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