Research Investigator - Experimental Therapeutics
- Requisition #: 183415
- Department: Experimental Therapeutics
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 10/6/2026
Research Investigator - Experimental Therapeutics
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Experimental Therapeutics department, the Research Investigator supports laboratory-based research activities, laboratory operations, and scientific studies focused on advancing cancer research. The Research Investigator contributes to laboratory efficiency, research quality, and compliance with safety and procedural standards. As a member of UT MD Anderson, the Research Investigator works closely with laboratory personnel, trainees, and research teams to support experimental activities, data collection, laboratory management, and scientific collaboration. The Research Investigator plays an essential role in maintaining research continuity and supporting the institution's mission of improving outcomes through innovative cancer research.
The ideal candidate will possess the education, experience, and certifications required to support laboratory research operations, perform molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology procedures, manage research data, and maintain compliance with laboratory safety standards. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements and demonstrate strong laboratory research, data analysis, cell culture, and laboratory operations experience are encouraged to apply.
Minimum $28.37/hour - Midpoint $35.58/hour - Maximum $42.79/hour
The typical work schedule is days.
Work Location: Onsite
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research in a collaborative laboratory environment. The position supports scientific discovery, participation in innovative research programs, professional development through hands-on experimental work, and meaningful contributions to advancing cancer treatment and patient outcomes while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, 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 Operations & Equipment
• Maintain daily laboratory operations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Support order placement and inventory-related activities.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance activities.
• Promote laboratory safety practices and compliance requirements.
• Train and support research personnel on laboratory procedures and operations.
• Assist the laboratory manager in teaching techniques to graduate students, surgical fellows, and other research personnel.
Research Projects & Data
• Plan, organize, and participate in research experiments.
• Record research data manually and promptly.
• Analyze research data and prepare graphs, charts, and tables for publications.
• Utilize word processing programs and spreadsheets to support research activities.
• Discuss assay results to ensure accuracy and comparability with previous results.
• Reconcile discrepancies in research findings as soon as possible.
• Review and discuss selected scientific literature with supervisors and laboratory personnel.
• Participate in laboratory presentations.
Procedure Adherence & Implementation
• Maintain laboratory stock cancer cell lines for cell culture and mouse xenograft studies.
• Grow, expand, and freeze cell lines using sterile techniques.
• Perform and learn new in vitro assays in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Perform and learn new in vivo assays in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Utilize hazardous substrates when required by research procedures.
• Maintain appropriate environmental surveys for radioactivity and other hazardous materials.
• Maintain records of hazardous chemicals and reagents as required.
• Handle patient tissues while following established safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
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 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Experimental Therapeutics department, the Research Investigator supports laboratory-based research activities, laboratory operations, and scientific studies focused on advancing cancer research. The Research Investigator contributes to laboratory efficiency, research quality, and compliance with safety and procedural standards. As a member of UT MD Anderson, the Research Investigator works closely with laboratory personnel, trainees, and research teams to support experimental activities, data collection, laboratory management, and scientific collaboration. The Research Investigator plays an essential role in maintaining research continuity and supporting the institution's mission of improving outcomes through innovative cancer research.
The ideal candidate will possess the education, experience, and certifications required to support laboratory research operations, perform molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology procedures, manage research data, and maintain compliance with laboratory safety standards. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements and demonstrate strong laboratory research, data analysis, cell culture, and laboratory operations experience are encouraged to apply.
Minimum $28.37/hour - Midpoint $35.58/hour - Maximum $42.79/hour
The typical work schedule is days.
Work Location: Onsite
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research in a collaborative laboratory environment. The position supports scientific discovery, participation in innovative research programs, professional development through hands-on experimental work, and meaningful contributions to advancing cancer treatment and patient outcomes while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, 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 Operations & Equipment
• Maintain daily laboratory operations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Support order placement and inventory-related activities.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance activities.
• Promote laboratory safety practices and compliance requirements.
• Train and support research personnel on laboratory procedures and operations.
• Assist the laboratory manager in teaching techniques to graduate students, surgical fellows, and other research personnel.
Research Projects & Data
• Plan, organize, and participate in research experiments.
• Record research data manually and promptly.
• Analyze research data and prepare graphs, charts, and tables for publications.
• Utilize word processing programs and spreadsheets to support research activities.
• Discuss assay results to ensure accuracy and comparability with previous results.
• Reconcile discrepancies in research findings as soon as possible.
• Review and discuss selected scientific literature with supervisors and laboratory personnel.
• Participate in laboratory presentations.
Procedure Adherence & Implementation
• Maintain laboratory stock cancer cell lines for cell culture and mouse xenograft studies.
• Grow, expand, and freeze cell lines using sterile techniques.
• Perform and learn new in vitro assays in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Perform and learn new in vivo assays in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Utilize hazardous substrates when required by research procedures.
• Maintain appropriate environmental surveys for radioactivity and other hazardous materials.
• Maintain records of hazardous chemicals and reagents as required.
• Handle patient tissues while following established safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
- Preferred: Master's Degree natural sciences or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: Five years scientific or experimental research work or three
years required experience 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: 183415
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Day/Evening, Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 59,000
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 74,000
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 89,000
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Soft
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
#LI-Onsite
