Research Assistant II
- Requisition #: 179038
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 2/19/2026
The Immunology department at MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks to determine the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of a wide range of processes by which the body recognizes and eliminates pathogens and use these findings to unleash the patient's own immune system against previously treatment-resistant cancers.
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to provide technical skills for basic research in immunology and coordinate experimental procedures while maintaining concise and complete written/computer records of experimental protocols and data in research lab headed by Assistant Professor Dr. Hu.
The ideal candidate will have at least one year of laboratory experience.
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Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
The typical work schedule is Onsite
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Why Us?
As a Research Assistant II, you will directly support projects that drive advancements in immunology and cancer science while developing specialized technical expertise within a world-class institution. This role supports long-term career growth through hands-on experience, structured research workflows, and exposure to innovative technologies, all within an environment that promotes professional development and work-life balance.
• 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 Work
• Process tissues through dissection and isolate single cell suspensions using mechanical and enzymatic approaches
• Optimize tissue dissociation methods to enhance cell yield and viability while minimizing perturbation to cell state
• Maintain cell lines and primary cells using aseptic technique
• Modify cell lines through transfection and electroporation with downstream verification by flow cytometry and microscopy
• Prepare viral vectors in packaging cell lines and optimize purification and yield
• Perform viral titration using qPCR and related approaches
• Preserve and bank dissected tissues and prepare sections for immunofluorescence imaging
• Stain tissue sections using antibodies or nucleotide probes and validate reagents and protocols
• Acquire images using multiple imaging platforms and perform basic quality control and quantification
• Conduct molecular cloning using restriction digestion, PCR, ligation, and Gibson assembly
General Skills
• Demonstrate attention to detail and careful planning of experimental procedures
• Troubleshoot and solve problems independently
• Maintain detailed, accessible documentation of procedures and experimental conditions within approved electronic notebooks
• Organize raw and processed data in a consistent and accessible format
Laboratory Organization
• Maintain consumable stocks to ensure continuous availability of reagents and supplies
• Enter laboratory orders promptly
• Receive packages and store materials appropriately with proper inventory tracking
• Coordinate maintenance and servicing of laboratory equipment
• Follow biosafety and animal ethics policies and adhere to relevant IBC and ACUF protocols
Working in a Team Setting
• Communicate results clearly to supervisors and coworkers
• Understand and follow instructions delivered in person or via phone/teleconference
• Collaborate effectively with other laboratory members
• Communicate professionally with collaborators, vendors, and core facility staff
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 primary purpose of the Research Assistant II position is to provide technical skills for basic research in immunology and coordinate experimental procedures while maintaining concise and complete written/computer records of experimental protocols and data in research lab headed by Assistant Professor Dr. Hu.
The ideal candidate will have at least one year of laboratory experience.
a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; }
Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
The typical work schedule is Onsite
a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; }
Why Us?
As a Research Assistant II, you will directly support projects that drive advancements in immunology and cancer science while developing specialized technical expertise within a world-class institution. This role supports long-term career growth through hands-on experience, structured research workflows, and exposure to innovative technologies, all within an environment that promotes professional development and work-life balance.
• 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 Work
• Process tissues through dissection and isolate single cell suspensions using mechanical and enzymatic approaches
• Optimize tissue dissociation methods to enhance cell yield and viability while minimizing perturbation to cell state
• Maintain cell lines and primary cells using aseptic technique
• Modify cell lines through transfection and electroporation with downstream verification by flow cytometry and microscopy
• Prepare viral vectors in packaging cell lines and optimize purification and yield
• Perform viral titration using qPCR and related approaches
• Preserve and bank dissected tissues and prepare sections for immunofluorescence imaging
• Stain tissue sections using antibodies or nucleotide probes and validate reagents and protocols
• Acquire images using multiple imaging platforms and perform basic quality control and quantification
• Conduct molecular cloning using restriction digestion, PCR, ligation, and Gibson assembly
General Skills
• Demonstrate attention to detail and careful planning of experimental procedures
• Troubleshoot and solve problems independently
• Maintain detailed, accessible documentation of procedures and experimental conditions within approved electronic notebooks
• Organize raw and processed data in a consistent and accessible format
Laboratory Organization
• Maintain consumable stocks to ensure continuous availability of reagents and supplies
• Enter laboratory orders promptly
• Receive packages and store materials appropriately with proper inventory tracking
• Coordinate maintenance and servicing of laboratory equipment
• Follow biosafety and animal ethics policies and adhere to relevant IBC and ACUF protocols
Working in a Team Setting
• Communicate results clearly to supervisors and coworkers
• Understand and follow instructions delivered in person or via phone/teleconference
• Collaborate effectively with other laboratory members
• Communicate professionally with collaborators, vendors, and core facility staff
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science Or Medical Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: One year scientific or experimental research work experience or no experience required with preferred degree.
- Preferred: One year of scientific or experimental experience is a plus.
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: 179038
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Day/Evening, 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
