Contractual Cancer Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Assistant II provides technical and coordination support for a variety of research projects and plays a vital role in maintaining high-volume transgenic mouse colonies. The Research Assistant II contributes to laboratory operations by supporting animal care, data collection, regulatory compliance, and research activities.
The Research Assistant II works in a collaborative research environment to support animal colony management, laboratory organization, and the accurate documentation of research activities. This position directly impacts the success and efficiency of laboratory research programs.
The ideal candidate will possess experience working with mice. Successful candidates will be highly motivated, reliable, responsible, detail-oriented, well organized, and skilled in maintaining accurate records while communicating effectively within a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to support groundbreaking cancer research through hands-on laboratory and animal research activities. The position provides valuable experience in research operations, animal colony management, regulatory compliance, and scientific collaboration while contributing to the institution's mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, and prevention.
• 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:
Animal Care & Colony Management
• Coordinate and perform daily animal care activities for transgenic mice colonies
• Monitor animal health and perform health flagging activities
• Perform routine husbandry procedures, including weaning, toe docking, tail docking, and preparation of doxycycline water
• Ensure correct animal identification is maintained and report discrepancies to the supervisor
Equipment Monitoring & Facility Operations
• Monitor ventilated cage rack systems to ensure proper operation
• Monitor automated drinking water systems and verify functionality
• Report equipment alarms, malfunctions, and operational issues to the supervisor immediately
• Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of animal housing areas and related support spaces
Documentation & Data Management
• Record animal care and research-related data in appropriate hardcopy and electronic systems
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry and record maintenance
• Maintain organized and accurate documentation to support laboratory operations
Laboratory Support & Inventory
• Assist with laboratory ordering and procurement activities
• Organize laboratory supplies and work areas
• Maintain adequate inventory levels and ensure supplies remain stocked
• Support daily laboratory organization and operational efficiency
Compliance & Team Support
• Assist the supervisor with maintaining compliance with federal and UT MD Anderson safety requirements
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team
• Perform other duties as assigned
Working Conditions
This position requires :
Yes
No
Working in Office Environment
X
Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)
X
Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues
X
Exposure to harmful chemicals
X
Exposure to radiation
X
Exposure to animals
X
EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science or Medical Degree.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: One year scientific or experimental research work experience. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred: Mice experience is necessary. Must be highly motivated, reliable, responsible, well organized and a careful record keeper with good attention to details. Excellent communication skills are required as well as the ability to work well in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.
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: 182352
• 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

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