Research Assistant II
- Requisition #: 183919
- Department: Cancer Biology
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 11/5/2026
MD Anderson's Cancer Biology department has a long history of being a leader in the field of basic and translational cancer biology research.
The primary purpose of the Research Assistant II is to coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of biology, genetics and other biomedical or related basic science areas. We are looking for a research-driven team member who will support our research projects by conducting experiments with animal models and cell culture. Our research group combines metabolomics and genetic approaches to identify metabolic pathways essential for disease progression with the aim of developing novel therapeutic strategies. One of the main research approaches is tracing specific nutrients in vitro and in vivo to discover how the disease changes their metabolic fate. We perform in-depth mechanistic analyses in preclinical models and translate the acquired knowledge into clinically relevant insights. We will provide training and support for the new techniques. Inquisitive mind, willingness to learn new methods, responsibility and thoroughness are expected.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable and willing to work with rats in a research setting. Previous experience performing animal procedures, such as subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, and tumor measurements, is preferred but not required. Candidates who are eager to learn, demonstrate attention to detail, and are comfortable handling laboratory animals are encouraged to apply.
Minimum $21.63/hour - Midpoint $27.16/hour - Maximum $32.69/hour
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
The typical work schedule is Onsite.
Why Us?
This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer biology research focused on understanding disease metabolism and developing future therapeutic strategies. Team members gain exposure to advanced laboratory techniques, animal model research, and translational science while working alongside leading investigators in an environment that supports professional growth, scientific learning, 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 & Experimental Research
• Coordinate and conduct research projects in biology, genetics, and related biomedical science disciplines.
• Exercise imagination, initiative, and inventiveness in planning experiments and studies.
• Execute experimental procedures and evaluate research results.
• Interpret findings and contribute to scientific analyses.
• Support metabolomics and genetic research projects investigating disease progression.
• Participate in adopting new research techniques and learning additional laboratory skills.
• Conduct nutrient tracing studies in vitro and in vivo.
Animal Studies
• Perform standard animal procedures including injections.
• Perform oral gavage procedures.
• Collect blood samples from research animals.
• Monitor and record animal weights.
• Measure and document tumor size.
• Conduct tissue implantation procedures.
• Conduct cell implantation procedures.
• Perform liver perfusion procedures.
• Perform vein infusion procedures.
• Work with rats, nude mice, and conventional mice.
Advanced Animal Research Procedures
• Perform in utero lentiviral injections.
• Conduct grafting procedures and surgical interventions.
• Perform animal genotyping procedures.
• Inject tumor cells for experimental studies.
• Monitor and record progress of animal experiments.
• Administer investigational drugs according to study protocols.
• Perform animal imaging procedures.
• Conduct necropsies.
• Prepare tissue samples for histological processing.
Cell Culture & Molecular Biology
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures.
• Perform growth assays.
• Conduct drug response assays.
• Perform transfection procedures.
• Conduct viral infection studies.
• Extract nucleic acids for research analyses.
• Perform PCR procedures.
• Conduct immunoblotting studies.
• Perform immunocytochemistry procedures.
• Conduct immunohistochemistry studies.
Laboratory Operations, Equipment & Safety
• Perform metabolite extraction procedures.
• Conduct molecular biology techniques involving DNA, RNA, and proteins.
• Perform immunofluorescence and Western blotting procedures as needed.
• Participate in the development and revision of laboratory techniques.
• Assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Order and organize laboratory supplies.
• Monitor laboratory safety standards.
• Maintain records of hazardous materials.
• Support compliance with laboratory policies and safety requirements.
Requirements
EDUCATION
• Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science
• Preferred: a Master's Degree Basic Science and a Medical Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or No experience required with preferred degree
• Preferred: Must be willing to work with rats in a research setting. Previous experience performing animal procedures, such as subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, and tumor measurements, is preferred.
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 is to coordinate and conduct experiments and carry out research projects in varied areas of biology, genetics and other biomedical or related basic science areas. We are looking for a research-driven team member who will support our research projects by conducting experiments with animal models and cell culture. Our research group combines metabolomics and genetic approaches to identify metabolic pathways essential for disease progression with the aim of developing novel therapeutic strategies. One of the main research approaches is tracing specific nutrients in vitro and in vivo to discover how the disease changes their metabolic fate. We perform in-depth mechanistic analyses in preclinical models and translate the acquired knowledge into clinically relevant insights. We will provide training and support for the new techniques. Inquisitive mind, willingness to learn new methods, responsibility and thoroughness are expected.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable and willing to work with rats in a research setting. Previous experience performing animal procedures, such as subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, and tumor measurements, is preferred but not required. Candidates who are eager to learn, demonstrate attention to detail, and are comfortable handling laboratory animals are encouraged to apply.
Minimum $21.63/hour - Midpoint $27.16/hour - Maximum $32.69/hour
Work Location: Texas Medical Center
The typical work schedule is Onsite.
Why Us?
This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer biology research focused on understanding disease metabolism and developing future therapeutic strategies. Team members gain exposure to advanced laboratory techniques, animal model research, and translational science while working alongside leading investigators in an environment that supports professional growth, scientific learning, 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 & Experimental Research
• Coordinate and conduct research projects in biology, genetics, and related biomedical science disciplines.
• Exercise imagination, initiative, and inventiveness in planning experiments and studies.
• Execute experimental procedures and evaluate research results.
• Interpret findings and contribute to scientific analyses.
• Support metabolomics and genetic research projects investigating disease progression.
• Participate in adopting new research techniques and learning additional laboratory skills.
• Conduct nutrient tracing studies in vitro and in vivo.
Animal Studies
• Perform standard animal procedures including injections.
• Perform oral gavage procedures.
• Collect blood samples from research animals.
• Monitor and record animal weights.
• Measure and document tumor size.
• Conduct tissue implantation procedures.
• Conduct cell implantation procedures.
• Perform liver perfusion procedures.
• Perform vein infusion procedures.
• Work with rats, nude mice, and conventional mice.
Advanced Animal Research Procedures
• Perform in utero lentiviral injections.
• Conduct grafting procedures and surgical interventions.
• Perform animal genotyping procedures.
• Inject tumor cells for experimental studies.
• Monitor and record progress of animal experiments.
• Administer investigational drugs according to study protocols.
• Perform animal imaging procedures.
• Conduct necropsies.
• Prepare tissue samples for histological processing.
Cell Culture & Molecular Biology
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures.
• Perform growth assays.
• Conduct drug response assays.
• Perform transfection procedures.
• Conduct viral infection studies.
• Extract nucleic acids for research analyses.
• Perform PCR procedures.
• Conduct immunoblotting studies.
• Perform immunocytochemistry procedures.
• Conduct immunohistochemistry studies.
Laboratory Operations, Equipment & Safety
• Perform metabolite extraction procedures.
• Conduct molecular biology techniques involving DNA, RNA, and proteins.
• Perform immunofluorescence and Western blotting procedures as needed.
• Participate in the development and revision of laboratory techniques.
• Assemble and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Order and organize laboratory supplies.
• Monitor laboratory safety standards.
• Maintain records of hazardous materials.
• Support compliance with laboratory policies and safety requirements.
Requirements
EDUCATION
• Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science
• Preferred: a Master's Degree Basic Science and a Medical Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or No experience required with preferred degree
• Preferred: Must be willing to work with rats in a research setting. Previous experience performing animal procedures, such as subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, and tumor measurements, is preferred.
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: 183919
- 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
