Research Assistant II - Lymphoma Myeloma
- Requisition #: 179497
- Department: Lymphoma-Myeloma - Research
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 3/11/2026
Research Assistant II - Tissue Bank Lymphoma Myeloma
The Research Assistant II - Tissue Bank supports the Lymphoma-Myeloma - Research Department by performing specialized laboratory procedures, managing biospecimen workflows, and contributing to research projects that advance scientific understanding. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Assistant II - Tissue Bank helps maintain sample integrity, executes molecular and cellular biology techniques, and ensures accurate documentation across multiple research protocols. The Research Assistant II works closely with research staff, nurses, and scientists to support daily laboratory operations and high-quality data practices.
The Research Assistant II contributes to ongoing research efforts by conducting technical procedures, coordinating with clinical partners, and maintaining organized laboratory records. This role directly supports MD Anderson's mission by ensuring precise handling of materials essential to cancer-related studies.
The ideal candidate holds a strong academic foundation in basic science, with preference for a master's degree or medical degree, and experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, biospecimen processing, and laboratory documentation. The individual should demonstrate strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to work independently within established protocols.
Salary range: Minimum $45,000 - Midpoint $56,500 - Maximum $68,000
Why Us?
The Research Assistant II - Tissue Bank directly supports scientific progress by contributing to research that drives discovery and improves patient outcomes. This role offers opportunities to strengthen laboratory skills, collaborate with experienced researchers, and develop professionally while supporting meaningful work that aligns with MD Anderson's mission.
• 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 Skills
• Maintain and organize myeloma banking samples and research biospecimens
• Process and store biospecimens following protocol requirements
• Coordinate with research nurses to obtain patient blood, bone marrow aspirates, and tumor samples
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and legible laboratory documentation
• Operate laboratory equipment for biospecimen processing and storage
• Review literature and confer with supervisors to update procedures
• Record and evaluate data as assigned
• Maintain attention to detail and alertness while working with samples
Molecular & Cellular Biology
• Perform bone marrow aspirate processing to produce mononuclear cells
• Complete serum extraction, DNA preparation, and RNA extraction
• Conduct PCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA following SOPs
• Prepare samples for single-cell RNA sequencing, including single cell preparation, GEM generation, and cDNA amplification
• Handle small-volume pipetting tasks with accuracy
• Work independently to obtain and process samples consistently and promptly
• Troubleshoot laboratory issues and seek guidance as needed
Reporting & Documentation
• Demonstrate full understanding of assigned research projects and protocols
• Present project updates during weekly laboratory meetings
• Maintain organized handwritten and digital records of procedures and protocols
• Participate in SOP quality control reviews and biospecimen inventory checks
• Collaborate with team members and directors to resolve workflow issues
• Communicate effectively with strong written and verbal skills
Other Duties
• Perform additional duties as assigned
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 Research Assistant II - Tissue Bank supports the Lymphoma-Myeloma - Research Department by performing specialized laboratory procedures, managing biospecimen workflows, and contributing to research projects that advance scientific understanding. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Assistant II - Tissue Bank helps maintain sample integrity, executes molecular and cellular biology techniques, and ensures accurate documentation across multiple research protocols. The Research Assistant II works closely with research staff, nurses, and scientists to support daily laboratory operations and high-quality data practices.
The Research Assistant II contributes to ongoing research efforts by conducting technical procedures, coordinating with clinical partners, and maintaining organized laboratory records. This role directly supports MD Anderson's mission by ensuring precise handling of materials essential to cancer-related studies.
The ideal candidate holds a strong academic foundation in basic science, with preference for a master's degree or medical degree, and experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, biospecimen processing, and laboratory documentation. The individual should demonstrate strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to work independently within established protocols.
Salary range: Minimum $45,000 - Midpoint $56,500 - Maximum $68,000
Why Us?
The Research Assistant II - Tissue Bank directly supports scientific progress by contributing to research that drives discovery and improves patient outcomes. This role offers opportunities to strengthen laboratory skills, collaborate with experienced researchers, and develop professionally while supporting meaningful work that aligns with MD Anderson's mission.
• 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 Skills
• Maintain and organize myeloma banking samples and research biospecimens
• Process and store biospecimens following protocol requirements
• Coordinate with research nurses to obtain patient blood, bone marrow aspirates, and tumor samples
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and legible laboratory documentation
• Operate laboratory equipment for biospecimen processing and storage
• Review literature and confer with supervisors to update procedures
• Record and evaluate data as assigned
• Maintain attention to detail and alertness while working with samples
Molecular & Cellular Biology
• Perform bone marrow aspirate processing to produce mononuclear cells
• Complete serum extraction, DNA preparation, and RNA extraction
• Conduct PCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA following SOPs
• Prepare samples for single-cell RNA sequencing, including single cell preparation, GEM generation, and cDNA amplification
• Handle small-volume pipetting tasks with accuracy
• Work independently to obtain and process samples consistently and promptly
• Troubleshoot laboratory issues and seek guidance as needed
Reporting & Documentation
• Demonstrate full understanding of assigned research projects and protocols
• Present project updates during weekly laboratory meetings
• Maintain organized handwritten and digital records of procedures and protocols
• Participate in SOP quality control reviews and biospecimen inventory checks
• Collaborate with team members and directors to resolve workflow issues
• Communicate effectively with strong written and verbal skills
Other Duties
• Perform additional duties as assigned
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science.
- Preferred: Medical Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or
Required: No experience required with preferred degree.
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: 179497
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days, Varied
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 45,000
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 56,500
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 68,000
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Soft
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
#LI-Onsite
