Volunteer Cancer Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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, prevention, and education. The Research Assistant I role supports this mission by contributing to innovative radiology research that advances medical imaging, diagnostic innovation, and evidence-based patient care.
Within the Body Imaging Research Department, the Research Assistant I works alongside principal investigators, radiologists, and multidisciplinary research teams to support clinical, translational, and outcomes research. The Research Assistant I plays a key role in evaluating and implementing machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques for abdominal organ segmentation, while the Research Assistant I contributes to research design, data analysis, scientific publications, and research operations across the department.
The ideal candidate is a physician with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent medical degree, prior radiology training, and a strong interest in clinical, translational, or outcomes research. Preferred qualifications include experience with programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or SQL; familiarity with research databases, electronic medical records, and large imaging datasets; knowledge of GCP, IRB processes, HIPAA, and human subjects research regulations; experience with statistical software; and authorship of scientific publications or presentations.
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking radiology research that supports advances in cancer diagnosis, imaging innovation, and patient outcomes. Team members collaborate with leading clinicians and researchers while gaining valuable experience in machine learning applications, clinical research methodology, scientific publication development, and multidisciplinary healthcare research in support of the institution's mission.
• 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
Research Operations
• Conduct research experiments supporting body imaging and radiology research initiatives • Evaluate and assist with implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques for abdominal organ segmentation • Identify appropriate clinical cases for evaluation using advanced imaging analysis techniques • Assign tumor staging according to recognized guidelines with minimal oversight from faculty or research staff
Data Collection & Analysis
• Gather, record, and evaluate research data in accordance with requested methodologies • Collect and manage data from hospital information systems • Perform data gathering, organization, and analysis to support research initiatives • Support interpretation of clinical, translational, and outcomes research findings
Research Development & Publications
• Conduct literature searches to support research protocols and project development • Assist in drafting grant proposals to obtain funding for future research efforts • Design educational exhibits to support scientific and educational initiatives • Prepare abstracts, manuscripts, and other scholarly communications for dissemination
Regulatory & Compliance Activities
• Draft preliminary Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions • Support research activities in accordance with applicable guidelines and study protocols • Maintain accurate documentation and research records
Collaboration & Service
• Collaborate with principal investigators, radiologists, and multidisciplinary research teams • Demonstrate analytical thinking to gather information systematically and support sound decision-making • Apply innovative thinking to identify new ideas, solutions, and research approaches • Demonstrate technical expertise and maintain current knowledge relevant to radiology research • Provide professional, timely, safe, ethical, accountable, efficient, and innovative service to stakeholders while adhering to institutional policies and standards of conduct
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: Prior training in radiology, including residency training or equivalent clinical experience, demonstrated knowledge of diagnostic imaging modalities, radiologic anatomy, and image interpretation, strong interest in clinical, translational, or outcomes research in radiology, experience with research data collection, management, analysis, and interpretation, proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, data visualization, and data management, strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, abstracts, grant applications, and presentations, and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary clinical and research teams
• Preferred: Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, SQL, or similar tools for data analysis, automation, and research workflows, experience with research databases (e.g., REDCap), electronic medical records, and large imaging datasets, knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, HIPAA, and human subjects research regulations, previous authorship on peer-reviewed publications or presentations at scientific conferences is desirable, and familiarity with statistical analysis methods and statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, SAS, or Stata)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Required: Analytical Thinking including gathering relevant information systematically, breaking down problems into simple components, and making sound decisions; Innovative Thinking including approaching problems with curiosity and open-mindedness while offering new ideas, solutions, and options; Technical/Functional Expertise including demonstrating technical proficiency, maintaining current professional knowledge, and providing expertise to others; Service Orientation including demonstrating respect and professionalism, modeling safe and ethical behavior, responding to requests in a timely manner, proactively communicating expectations, and utilizing HEAL (Hear, Empathize, Address and Learn) principles when service recovery is needed
EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: None

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: 182282
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 39,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 49,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 59,500
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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