Research Assistant I
- Requisition #: 179985
- Department: Health Services Research
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 4/7/2026
The Research Assistant I supports the Department of Health Services Research by coordinating research activities for grant-funded projects focused on optimizing health care delivery and improving outcomes in cancer prevention and treatment. The Research Assistant I contributes to protocol development, data collection, and computational analyses while working closely with faculty and analytical teams within Health Services Research.
The Research Assistant I role is part of MD Anderson Cancer Center, a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Through collaboration and applied research, the Research Assistant I helps advance high-quality health services research that informs clinical practice and population-level cancer care.
The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant I role has a Bachelor's Degree in a basic science field, and demonstrate proficiency in Julia programming, along with basic knowledge of simulation modeling or stochastic optimization.
Minimum $18.99 - Midpoint $23.80 - Maximum $28.61 per hour based on a 40-hour work week
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days onsite and 3 days remote
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
Why Us?
This role provides the opportunity to contribute directly to research that improves cancer care delivery while developing technical, analytical, and programming expertise in a collaborative academic environment. The Research Assistant I role supports professional growth, exposure to advanced modeling and data analysis, and work-life balance through a hybrid schedule while advancing MD Anderson's mission to end cancer.
• 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
Coordinate Research Activities
• Coordinate research activities for grant-funded projects within Health Services Research
• Assist with writing, maintaining, and updating research protocols
• Collect, organize, and manage research data from multiple sources
Computer Programming (50%)
• Develop code for data analysis, mathematical models, and simulation models
• Use programming languages such as Julia, R, and Python
• Develop and maintain online code repositories using GitHub
Mathematical Modeling (10%)
• Develop mathematical optimization models to address research questions
• Implement optimization algorithms to solve analytical models to optimality
• Validate models using observational data from cancer registries and clinical trials
• Maintain and update models to reflect changes in clinical practice
• Learn and apply new optimization and approximation techniques
Data Analysis (35%)
• Perform basic and advanced statistical analyses under supervision of a statistical analyst
• Assist faculty in the development of statistical methods for risk assessment and prediction
• Manage multiple research projects efficiently and meet project deadlines
Reporting (5%)
• Prepare data analysis outputs including tables, figures, and written summaries
• Draft memos describing study cohorts, statistical analysis methods, and results under supervision
• Present research findings at internal or external meetings as requested
EDUCATION
• Required: Bachelor's Degree in a basic science
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: None
• Preferred: Proficiency in Julia code, basic knowledge of simulation modeling or basic knowledge of stochastic optimization
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-Hybrid
The Research Assistant I role is part of MD Anderson Cancer Center, a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Through collaboration and applied research, the Research Assistant I helps advance high-quality health services research that informs clinical practice and population-level cancer care.
The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant I role has a Bachelor's Degree in a basic science field, and demonstrate proficiency in Julia programming, along with basic knowledge of simulation modeling or stochastic optimization.
Minimum $18.99 - Midpoint $23.80 - Maximum $28.61 per hour based on a 40-hour work week
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days onsite and 3 days remote
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
Why Us?
This role provides the opportunity to contribute directly to research that improves cancer care delivery while developing technical, analytical, and programming expertise in a collaborative academic environment. The Research Assistant I role supports professional growth, exposure to advanced modeling and data analysis, and work-life balance through a hybrid schedule while advancing MD Anderson's mission to end cancer.
• 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
Coordinate Research Activities
• Coordinate research activities for grant-funded projects within Health Services Research
• Assist with writing, maintaining, and updating research protocols
• Collect, organize, and manage research data from multiple sources
Computer Programming (50%)
• Develop code for data analysis, mathematical models, and simulation models
• Use programming languages such as Julia, R, and Python
• Develop and maintain online code repositories using GitHub
Mathematical Modeling (10%)
• Develop mathematical optimization models to address research questions
• Implement optimization algorithms to solve analytical models to optimality
• Validate models using observational data from cancer registries and clinical trials
• Maintain and update models to reflect changes in clinical practice
• Learn and apply new optimization and approximation techniques
Data Analysis (35%)
• Perform basic and advanced statistical analyses under supervision of a statistical analyst
• Assist faculty in the development of statistical methods for risk assessment and prediction
• Manage multiple research projects efficiently and meet project deadlines
Reporting (5%)
• Prepare data analysis outputs including tables, figures, and written summaries
• Draft memos describing study cohorts, statistical analysis methods, and results under supervision
• Present research findings at internal or external meetings as requested
EDUCATION
• Required: Bachelor's Degree in a basic science
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: None
• Preferred: Proficiency in Julia code, basic knowledge of simulation modeling or basic knowledge of stochastic optimization
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: 179985
- 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: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
#LI-Hybrid
