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Research Assistant II - Leukemia

Mouse work Research Assistant II - Leukemia

The Research Assistant II supports research activities within the Leukemia department, contributing to essential in vivo, molecular, and laboratory operations supporting leukemia-focused studies. The Research Assistant II Leukemia plays a key role in maintaining animal colonies, executing research protocols, and ensuring accurate documentation and laboratory functionality across multiple research workflows. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Assistant II works collaboratively with investigators and laboratory personnel to execute research procedures, maintain equipment, and support experimental integrity. This position helps sustain high-quality research practices that drive scientific progress within the Leukemia department.

The ideal candidate possesses advanced training in basic science, hands-on experience with animal handling or molecular techniques, and familiarity with laboratory operations. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree or medical degree in a basic science field and prior scientific or experimental research experience.

Why Us?
The Research Assistant II Leukemia directly supports impactful leukemia research and helps maintain efficient laboratory operations while developing valuable technical skills in animal work, molecular biology, and lab maintenance. This role offers opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful scientific advancement.

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
Mouse Work

Manage rodent breeding colonies including mating breeders, checking pregnancy, recording litters, and monitoring pup development
Identify pups for genotyping and perform weaning
Observe and document animal health conditions and clinical signs
Dose and inject animals via PO, IV, IP, IM, and SC routes
Collect tissues for hematology and genotyping assays
Support in vivo experiments according to project protocols
Report animal status and issues twice weekly
Monitor inventories of consumable supplies to ensure continuity
Create and manage animal lab research folders, files, and documents
Enter data into spreadsheets or databases, generate reports, and maintain animal inventories

Molecular & Cellular Techniques

Maintain and monitor cell cultures
Conduct molecular experiments including western blots and PCR
Document experiments clearly and report findings to the principal investigator
Collaborate on protocol optimization and troubleshooting
Ensure strict adherence to laboratory safety guidelines

Laboratory Equipment & Maintenance

Perform routine maintenance of ultra-low freezers, liquid nitrogen, CO₂ systems, and water levels
Maintain laboratory equipment such as high-speed centrifuges, pH meters, and microfuges
Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments as needed
Read and follow operation manuals and procedure manuals
Lift and carry items up to 20-25 pounds and transport materials using a roller cart
Comply with institutional safety policies including Universal Precautions and OSHA standards
Wear required protective equipment including gloves, eye protection, face masks, gowns, or lab coats
Perform procedures requiring a fume hood or biological safety cabinet
Recommend replacement or purchase of new laboratory equipment

Communication & Coordination

Maintain open communication with supervisors, project PIs, and personnel across the animal lab and biological lab
Provide status updates and highlight issues requiring attention

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science.
Preferred: Medical Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience
Required: No experience required 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