Research Assistant II Mouse handling
- Requisition #: 179470
- Department: Genitourinary Med Onc - Rsch
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 3/10/2026
The role of our Research Assistant II is to assist lead research investigators to study tumor invasion, metastasis, immunotherapy responses and resistance niches in novel in vitro and in vivo models of cancer and bone metastasis. They must proactively and independently contribute to primary research projects and develop and apply advance techniques and procedures. They further must contribute to the maintenance and operation of the research lab. All applicants should possess intrinsic curiosity and interest in developing new models of cancer disease.
The ideal candidate is an intrinsically curious and highly skilled research professional who can independently execute complex in vitro and in vivo studies, manage large transgenic mouse colonies, apply advanced molecular and imaging techniques, and effectively communicate and collaborate within a dynamic cancer research laboratory.
What We Offer?
* 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 FUNCTIONS:
1. Independently, performs and assists in both in vitro and in vivo animal. Critical part of the work is to maintain and document a pristine transgenic mouse colony. Knowledge in the following procedures are required:
* Animal handling, surgery, tumor implantation and treatment and tissue/organ isolation and preservation. Organization of a transgenic mouse colony (300-500 cages)
* Preclinical imaging (e.g. microCT, MRI)
* Flow cytometry (FACS)
* Advanced tissue clearing and staining techniques for hard and soft tissues (e.g. skin and bone)
* Immunofluorescence multiphoton and epifluorescence microscopy
* Intermediate image analysis (Fiji/ImageJ or other) skills
* Cell/tissue culture of primary cells (e.g. stem cells) and cancer cell lines.
* Recombinant DNA technology (cloning, DNA, RNA purification) and molecular biology (lentivirus production, lentiviral transductions)
* Generation of genetically modified cell lines and cryostorage
* Histological procedures (Fixation, Slicing, Staining, Sample storage)
* Biochemistry (immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation, protein purification)
2. Communicate information:
* Must be able to communicate results to and understand instructions from project leader, supervisor and principal investigator.
* Clear and accurate communication in English both face-to-face and over the telephone/skype is required.
* Provide oral progress reports in an organized, consistent manner using scientific slides.
* A willingness to cooperate with other staff, students, fellows and visitors is essential.
* A willingness to train and instruct staff, students, fellows and visitors.
3. Acquire and develop new techniques:
* Must possess flexibility and have the ability to learn and establish novel techniques and protocols for new research lines.
* Independently reads and understands scientific literature for application to ongoing research.
4. Laboratory duties:
* Must possess flexibility and have the ability to learn and establish novel techniques and protocols for new research lines.
* Manage, record, update inventories (digital and written databases)
* Order material for the laboratory in a timely fashion
* Must work with other lab members to ensure the consistent flow of work, necessary materials and reagents
* Perform laboratory tasks assigned by supervisor/lab manager
* Collaborate and conduct experiments/work on other lab projects when necessary
* For incoming packages: ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify relevant lab personnel/principal investigator.
5. Computer literacy:
* Must be able to learn and use software related to data acquisition, image analysis and presentation
6.Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science or Medical Degree.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: One year scientific or experimental research work experience. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred: Mouse Handling and In Vivo experimental Skills, Biomedical and Molecular Biology techniques, Laboratory Management and Collaboration, Experimental Design and Data Analysis.
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 ideal candidate is an intrinsically curious and highly skilled research professional who can independently execute complex in vitro and in vivo studies, manage large transgenic mouse colonies, apply advanced molecular and imaging techniques, and effectively communicate and collaborate within a dynamic cancer research laboratory.
What We Offer?
* 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 FUNCTIONS:
1. Independently, performs and assists in both in vitro and in vivo animal. Critical part of the work is to maintain and document a pristine transgenic mouse colony. Knowledge in the following procedures are required:
* Animal handling, surgery, tumor implantation and treatment and tissue/organ isolation and preservation. Organization of a transgenic mouse colony (300-500 cages)
* Preclinical imaging (e.g. microCT, MRI)
* Flow cytometry (FACS)
* Advanced tissue clearing and staining techniques for hard and soft tissues (e.g. skin and bone)
* Immunofluorescence multiphoton and epifluorescence microscopy
* Intermediate image analysis (Fiji/ImageJ or other) skills
* Cell/tissue culture of primary cells (e.g. stem cells) and cancer cell lines.
* Recombinant DNA technology (cloning, DNA, RNA purification) and molecular biology (lentivirus production, lentiviral transductions)
* Generation of genetically modified cell lines and cryostorage
* Histological procedures (Fixation, Slicing, Staining, Sample storage)
* Biochemistry (immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation, protein purification)
2. Communicate information:
* Must be able to communicate results to and understand instructions from project leader, supervisor and principal investigator.
* Clear and accurate communication in English both face-to-face and over the telephone/skype is required.
* Provide oral progress reports in an organized, consistent manner using scientific slides.
* A willingness to cooperate with other staff, students, fellows and visitors is essential.
* A willingness to train and instruct staff, students, fellows and visitors.
3. Acquire and develop new techniques:
* Must possess flexibility and have the ability to learn and establish novel techniques and protocols for new research lines.
* Independently reads and understands scientific literature for application to ongoing research.
4. Laboratory duties:
* Must possess flexibility and have the ability to learn and establish novel techniques and protocols for new research lines.
* Manage, record, update inventories (digital and written databases)
* Order material for the laboratory in a timely fashion
* Must work with other lab members to ensure the consistent flow of work, necessary materials and reagents
* Perform laboratory tasks assigned by supervisor/lab manager
* Collaborate and conduct experiments/work on other lab projects when necessary
* For incoming packages: ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify relevant lab personnel/principal investigator.
5. Computer literacy:
* Must be able to learn and use software related to data acquisition, image analysis and presentation
6.Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science or Medical Degree.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: One year scientific or experimental research work experience. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred: Mouse Handling and In Vivo experimental Skills, Biomedical and Molecular Biology techniques, Laboratory Management and Collaboration, Experimental Design and Data Analysis.
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: 179470
- 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: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
#LI-Onsite
