Research Assistant II - Surgical Oncology - Research
- Requisition #: 182699
- Department: Surgical Oncology - Research
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 10/27/2026
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Department of Surgical Oncology, the Torres Laboratory is dedicated to understanding the molecular deregulations responsible for the initiation and progression of high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma and to develop new approaches for its management and treatment. The laboratory focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies and translating discoveries into clinical applications to improve outcomes for patients facing these complex cancers.
The laboratory focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies and translating discoveries into clinical applications to improve outcomes for patients facing these complex cancers.
The Research Assistant II will support a highly specialized research environment that integrates clinician-scientists with direct access to patient tumors, enabling research that closely reflects clinical realities. UT MD Anderson brings together internationally recognized expertise in sarcoma research and multidisciplinary collaborations that accelerate scientific discovery. The Research Assistant II plays an essential role in advancing translational oncology research, and the Research Assistant II contributes to laboratory operations, specimen management, experimental execution, and data analysis.
The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II role will have education and experience that support translational oncology research, specimen processing, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific reporting. Individuals with experience in wet-lab methodologies, animal studies, database management, and research coordination are strongly aligned with the responsibilities of this position.
Salary Range: Minimum $45,000 - Midpoint $56,500 -Maximum $68,000
Why Us?
UT MD Anderson offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research that impacts patient care and advances the understanding of soft tissue sarcomas. This role provides exposure to translational oncology, multidisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, and professional development within a world-renowned cancer center while supporting work that improves outcomes for patients.
• 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.
Key Responsibilities
Sample Processing and Cataloging: Processes human specimens according to established protocols and maintains accurate, up-to-date database entries. Communicates regularly (daily/weekly) with the research team and reviews data entries with the PI and lab team as needed. Meets weekly with Dr. Torres and/or a senior research team member to review completed data entry and attends lab meetings.
Research Projects and Initiatives: Coordinates and executes translational research projects involving in vitro and in vivo oncology studies using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to evaluate novel and existing therapeutic agents, including cohort-based drug studies in tumor-bearing mice. Plans and executes experiments with sound judgment and increasing independence after training and evaluates results rigorously. Responsible for acquisition, processing, and storage of tumors and other biological specimens (blood and tissue), and accurate recording, organization, and analysis of experimental data. Demonstrates proficiency in wet-lab and tissue-based techniques including cell culture, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, microscopy and imaging, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, western blotting, cellular assays, and preparation of samples for submission to core facilities as needed. Performs animal experiments and laboratory assays in accordance with established protocols and lab guidelines, with independent execution expected once trained.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Designs and maintains scientific and administrative reports for various research studies. Assists the principal investigator with database entry, data analysis, and preparing results in formats such as tables, figures, and narrative summaries. Analyzes research data and adapts techniques as needed to solve work problems. Proficiency in MS Office is required; proficiency with graphing and statistical software is highly preferred.
Demonstrates good lab ethics: Demonstrates strong laboratory ethics, adaptability, and effective time management. Maintains professional expertise through attendance at institutional and external educational programs. Exhibits excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and exercises sound judgment in gathering and reporting information. Consistently adheres to institutional guidelines on patient privacy and confidentiality and complies with HIPAA regulations regarding the security and protection of PHI.
General Laboratory Management Oversees the daily lab functions: supplies, ordering, general equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Maintains a well-organized and stocked-up lab for optimal workflow. Promptly communicates with the PI and/or the lab manager to resolve any potential lab safety issues in a timely manner.
Other duties as assigned
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to provide technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects.
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 laboratory focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies and translating discoveries into clinical applications to improve outcomes for patients facing these complex cancers.
The Research Assistant II will support a highly specialized research environment that integrates clinician-scientists with direct access to patient tumors, enabling research that closely reflects clinical realities. UT MD Anderson brings together internationally recognized expertise in sarcoma research and multidisciplinary collaborations that accelerate scientific discovery. The Research Assistant II plays an essential role in advancing translational oncology research, and the Research Assistant II contributes to laboratory operations, specimen management, experimental execution, and data analysis.
The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II role will have education and experience that support translational oncology research, specimen processing, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific reporting. Individuals with experience in wet-lab methodologies, animal studies, database management, and research coordination are strongly aligned with the responsibilities of this position.
Salary Range: Minimum $45,000 - Midpoint $56,500 -Maximum $68,000
Why Us?
UT MD Anderson offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research that impacts patient care and advances the understanding of soft tissue sarcomas. This role provides exposure to translational oncology, multidisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, and professional development within a world-renowned cancer center while supporting work that improves outcomes for patients.
• 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.
Key Responsibilities
Sample Processing and Cataloging: Processes human specimens according to established protocols and maintains accurate, up-to-date database entries. Communicates regularly (daily/weekly) with the research team and reviews data entries with the PI and lab team as needed. Meets weekly with Dr. Torres and/or a senior research team member to review completed data entry and attends lab meetings.
Research Projects and Initiatives: Coordinates and executes translational research projects involving in vitro and in vivo oncology studies using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to evaluate novel and existing therapeutic agents, including cohort-based drug studies in tumor-bearing mice. Plans and executes experiments with sound judgment and increasing independence after training and evaluates results rigorously. Responsible for acquisition, processing, and storage of tumors and other biological specimens (blood and tissue), and accurate recording, organization, and analysis of experimental data. Demonstrates proficiency in wet-lab and tissue-based techniques including cell culture, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, microscopy and imaging, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, western blotting, cellular assays, and preparation of samples for submission to core facilities as needed. Performs animal experiments and laboratory assays in accordance with established protocols and lab guidelines, with independent execution expected once trained.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Designs and maintains scientific and administrative reports for various research studies. Assists the principal investigator with database entry, data analysis, and preparing results in formats such as tables, figures, and narrative summaries. Analyzes research data and adapts techniques as needed to solve work problems. Proficiency in MS Office is required; proficiency with graphing and statistical software is highly preferred.
Demonstrates good lab ethics: Demonstrates strong laboratory ethics, adaptability, and effective time management. Maintains professional expertise through attendance at institutional and external educational programs. Exhibits excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and exercises sound judgment in gathering and reporting information. Consistently adheres to institutional guidelines on patient privacy and confidentiality and complies with HIPAA regulations regarding the security and protection of PHI.
General Laboratory Management Oversees the daily lab functions: supplies, ordering, general equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Maintains a well-organized and stocked-up lab for optimal workflow. Promptly communicates with the PI and/or the lab manager to resolve any potential lab safety issues in a timely manner.
Other duties as assigned
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to provide technical and coordination skills in carrying out various research projects.
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 1 year Scientific or experimental research work experience or n
o 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: 182699
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- 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: No
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: No
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