Senior Research Assistant
- Requisition #: 178528
- Department: Urology - Research
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 1/28/2026
The Surgery Division's research mission at MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to driving paradigm-shifting and practice-changing scientific advancements with the overarching goal of improving patient outcomes. The division's research portfolio showcases the extensive expertise of its nationally and internationally recognized faculty and reflects a deep commitment to fostering a culture of transdisciplinary collaboration. Through this collaborative approach, the division promotes meaningful translational and transformational discoveries that advance surgical science and enhance the quality of care delivered to patients.
What makes this department unique is its broad involvement in research across diverse areas of biology, biomedical sciences, and related basic science fields. The team conducts hands-on experimental work, constructing, assembling, and operating specialized laboratory apparatus required to support innovative research. Employees actively engage with scientific literature and collaborate with supervisors to implement new procedures, adapting and refining methodologies to meet the evolving needs of each project. This adaptability, combined with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, ensures that all collected data is accurately recorded, evaluated, and analyzed according to established research standards. The department's dynamic environment fosters continuous learning, creative problem-solving, and meaningful contributions to advancing scientific discovery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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
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What makes this department unique is its broad involvement in research across diverse areas of biology, biomedical sciences, and related basic science fields. The team conducts hands-on experimental work, constructing, assembling, and operating specialized laboratory apparatus required to support innovative research. Employees actively engage with scientific literature and collaborate with supervisors to implement new procedures, adapting and refining methodologies to meet the evolving needs of each project. This adaptability, combined with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, ensures that all collected data is accurately recorded, evaluated, and analyzed according to established research standards. The department's dynamic environment fosters continuous learning, creative problem-solving, and meaningful contributions to advancing scientific discovery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Exercises considerable independence in animal experimentation, including but not limited to animal colony maintenance, orthotopic implantation of tumors involving survival surgeries, monitoring and recording progress of experiments including imaging (using ultrasound and IVIS based imaging), tumor volume measurements, necropsy, preparation of tissues for histology and for molecular work.
- Performs laboratory studies using flow cytometry, tissue culture nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry.
- Reads literature and confers with superiors regarding new procedures and modifies them according to the needs of the projects. Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with method requested.
- Maintain meticulous records of experimental data and protocols in the lab ELN system.
- Conducts routine tissue culture which involves manipulation and maintenance of cancer cells. Prepare cell culture media and solutions by visually measuring the ingredients.
- Operate equipment such as centrifuge, pH meters, spectrophotometers and microscopes in the laboratory.
- Reports problem and/or possible problems with the operation of equipment to the manager and/or faculty in laboratory. Demonstrate and practice laboratory safety precautions. Ensures that the laboratory is prepared for inspection, which involves cleaning, labeling chemicals, stacking and unpacking supplies. Maintain laboratory inventory of supplies.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic sciences or related field.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Basic sciences.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 2 years Scientific or experimental research work experience; or
- Required: 1 year 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: 178528
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 51,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 64,500
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 77,500
- 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
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