Research Assistant II
- Requisition #: 179037
- 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 by which the body recognizes and eliminates pathogens, applying these discoveries to activate the patient's immune system against treatment-resistant cancers. The Research Assistant II supports this mission by contributing to laboratory research, animal model preparation, and data organization.
MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Assistant II provides technical expertise in animal work, cell culture, microbiology, and immunology, while ensuring safe and efficient laboratory operations.
The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II brings preferred hands-on mouse breeding and handling experience, skills in mammalian cell culture, and familiarity with techniques such as immunohistochemistry or RNAscope, along with strong organizational and laboratory support capabilities.
Salary Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69 per hour.
The typical work schedule is onsite.
Work location: Texas Medical Center.
Why Us?
In this Research Assistant II role, individuals directly support innovative immunology research that advances understanding of tumor-microbe interactions and contributes to the development of transformative cancer therapies. The position offers opportunities to develop specialized technical skills, collaborate with experienced researchers, and support meaningful scientific progress while maintaining a balanced, supportive work environment.
• 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 Maintenance
• Maintain laboratory animals and update animal inventory
• Record detailed written reports of experimental data and protocols
• Maintain clean, safe laboratory work areas and ensure equipment is functioning properly
• Follow written equipment operation instructions and manuals
• Perform other duties as assigned
Tissue Culture
• Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines using sterile technique
• Determine cell counts and cell viability using microscope and hemocytometer
• Monitor, order, and stock tissue culture supplies
• Establish short-term cell cultures from human or mouse tissues
• Perform basic microbiology, immunology, and in vitro cell growth and proliferation assays
Mouse Work
• Complete training and certification for safe, humane handling of live mice
• Maintain mouse colonies and breeding pairs for targeted strains
• Set up breeding cages, transfer cages, perform ear tagging and tail snipping, and update colony, breeding, and genotyping records
• Implant orthotopic and subcutaneous tumors in mouse models
• Perform oral gavage and tail vein injections
• Work safely within a BSL2 environment
• Monitor mouse health and tumor progression during treatment trials
• Conduct in vivo tumor growth and treatment assays
• Calculate molarity and prepare accurate media solutions and reagents
• Handle acids, polyacrylamide, flammable materials, and biohazards according to OSHA and institutional guidelines
• Coordinate weekend or holiday support to maintain continuity of mouse experiments
Research Support & Coordination
• Prepare and manage animal research models to study microbe-host interactions
• Order and manage laboratory consumables
• Coordinate and organize analyses for mouse and clinical specimens
• Organize and manage resulting experimental data
• Communicate project goals and strategies clearly with supervisor
• Support safe, efficient laboratory operations and a positive work environment
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
MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Assistant II provides technical expertise in animal work, cell culture, microbiology, and immunology, while ensuring safe and efficient laboratory operations.
The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II brings preferred hands-on mouse breeding and handling experience, skills in mammalian cell culture, and familiarity with techniques such as immunohistochemistry or RNAscope, along with strong organizational and laboratory support capabilities.
Salary Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69 per hour.
The typical work schedule is onsite.
Work location: Texas Medical Center.
Why Us?
In this Research Assistant II role, individuals directly support innovative immunology research that advances understanding of tumor-microbe interactions and contributes to the development of transformative cancer therapies. The position offers opportunities to develop specialized technical skills, collaborate with experienced researchers, and support meaningful scientific progress while maintaining a balanced, supportive work environment.
• 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 Maintenance
• Maintain laboratory animals and update animal inventory
• Record detailed written reports of experimental data and protocols
• Maintain clean, safe laboratory work areas and ensure equipment is functioning properly
• Follow written equipment operation instructions and manuals
• Perform other duties as assigned
Tissue Culture
• Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines using sterile technique
• Determine cell counts and cell viability using microscope and hemocytometer
• Monitor, order, and stock tissue culture supplies
• Establish short-term cell cultures from human or mouse tissues
• Perform basic microbiology, immunology, and in vitro cell growth and proliferation assays
Mouse Work
• Complete training and certification for safe, humane handling of live mice
• Maintain mouse colonies and breeding pairs for targeted strains
• Set up breeding cages, transfer cages, perform ear tagging and tail snipping, and update colony, breeding, and genotyping records
• Implant orthotopic and subcutaneous tumors in mouse models
• Perform oral gavage and tail vein injections
• Work safely within a BSL2 environment
• Monitor mouse health and tumor progression during treatment trials
• Conduct in vivo tumor growth and treatment assays
• Calculate molarity and prepare accurate media solutions and reagents
• Handle acids, polyacrylamide, flammable materials, and biohazards according to OSHA and institutional guidelines
• Coordinate weekend or holiday support to maintain continuity of mouse experiments
Research Support & Coordination
• Prepare and manage animal research models to study microbe-host interactions
• Order and manage laboratory consumables
• Coordinate and organize analyses for mouse and clinical specimens
• Organize and manage resulting experimental data
• Communicate project goals and strategies clearly with supervisor
• Support safe, efficient laboratory operations and a positive work environment
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: Prior mouse breeding and handling experience is essential. Experience with mammalian cell culture, and IHC or RNAscope 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: 179037
- 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
