Specimen Collection Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant II - GI Medical Oncology
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to eliminating cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees, and the public. UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.
The Research Assistant II position within Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology supports translational cancer research focused on intestinal adenocarcinomas, colorectal cancer biology, patient-derived xenograft models, treatment response and resistance mechanisms, and tumor immunology. The Research Assistant II contributes to laboratory and animal-based studies while supporting scientific discoveries that advance cancer treatment. The Research Assistant II plays a key role in conducting experiments, maintaining research models, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting laboratory operations.
The ideal candidate will have experience supporting biomedical research in a laboratory environment, including animal studies, mouse colony management, patient-derived xenograft models, tissue collection, data analysis, and scientific communication. Experience assisting with trainee development, preparing research documentation, and working independently in a fast-paced research setting is highly desirable.
Minimum $21.63/hour - Midpoint $27.16/hour - Maximum $32.69/hour
The typical work schedule is days
Work Location: Onsite
Why Us?
This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative gastrointestinal cancer research while gaining hands-on experience with animal models, immunology research, molecular characterization studies, and translational oncology programs. Team members work alongside leading researchers and clinicians while benefiting from professional development opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and support for long-term career growth.
• 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 Research Operations
• Manage mouse colonies under minimal supervision
• Perform survival surgeries for implantation of patient-derived tumor fragments (PDX)
• Perform survival surgeries for implantation of cell lines
• Administer oral gavage treatments and research compounds
• Administer intraperitoneal (IP) treatments and research compounds
• Administer subcutaneous (SQ) treatments and research compounds
• Measure tumor response using calipers
• Measure tumor response using non-invasive imaging methods
• Analyze outcomes of efficacy studies
• Perform non-survival animal surgeries for specimen collection
Specimen Collection & Processing
• Collect tumor tissue samples for molecular characterization studies
• Collect tumor tissue samples for ex vivo treatment studies
• Collect blood samples from mice
• Collect bone marrow samples from mice
• Collect spleen tissue samples from mice
• Collect lymph node tissue samples from mice
• Extract immune cells from human tumors
• Extract immune cells from mouse bone marrow
• Extract immune cells from mouse spleens
• Extract immune cells from mouse lymph nodes
Research Documentation & Data Management
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of mouse colonies
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of growing PDX models
• Enter colony management data in a timely manner
• Verify correct animal identification through ear tags
• Report animal identification discrepancies to the supervisor
• Ensure all collected tissue samples are properly labeled
• Deposit collected tissue samples into designated storage locations
• Enter specimen collection data in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate records supporting research activities
• Support compliance with laboratory documentation standards
Data Analysis & Scientific Communication
• Analyze experimental data under minimal supervision
• Plot experimental data under minimal supervision
• Utilize advanced Microsoft Excel skills for research analysis
• Utilize Adobe Photoshop for research-related applications
• Communicate experimental results clearly to the supervisor
• Communicate potential experimental problems clearly to the supervisor
• Present updates and findings during laboratory meetings
• Read scientific articles and research references
• Develop step-by-step written procedures for conducting experiments
• Communicate experimental procedures to laboratory personnel
Training, Safety & Compliance
• Prepare concise written summaries of methods used in experiments
• Prepare accurate written summaries of research results
• Assist with training graduate students
• Assist with training fellows
• Assist with training post-doctoral trainees
• Maintain a clean and orderly workplace
• Observe all institutional policies and procedures
• Comply with OSHA regulations related to biohazard safety
• Comply with OSHA regulations related to radiation safety
• Support safe and effective laboratory operations
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.

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: 182460
• 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?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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