Volunteer Cancer Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Investigator - Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Thoracic Head & Neck Department, the Research Investigator supports innovative translational and laboratory-based research focused on advancing scientific knowledge and improving outcomes for patients with cancer.
The Research Investigator is responsible for applying advanced technical expertise to design, perform, troubleshoot, and optimize complex wet-laboratory experiments while supporting multiple research projects. The Research Investigator collaborates closely with laboratory team members to generate high-quality data, develop new methodologies, and advance research objectives. The Research Investigator plays a critical role in sustaining laboratory operations and ensuring successful study execution within a highly regulated research environment.
The ideal candidate for the Research Investigator role will possess a strong background in laboratory research, experience designing and conducting complex wet-laboratory experiments, and the ability to analyze and interpret scientific data. Education, experience, and certification requirements are outlined below based on the information provided.
Salary Range (40-hour work week): Minimum $28.37/hour - Midpoint $35.58/hour - Maximum $42.79/hour
Work Location: Houston, TX (Onsite)
Typical Work Schedule: Days
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Research Investigator directly contributes to groundbreaking cancer research while working alongside leading scientists and clinicians. This role offers the opportunity to develop technical expertise, support innovative discoveries, contribute to publications and grant-funded projects, and help advance UT MD Anderson's mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, prevention, and patient care.
• 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 Study Execution
• Design complex wet-laboratory experiments in support of multiple research projects.
• Organize laboratory activities required for the successful execution of research studies.
• Perform complex wet-laboratory experiments using established and emerging methodologies.
• Optimize experimental procedures to improve research outcomes and data quality.
Technical Leadership & Laboratory Support
• Provide technical expertise to support ongoing laboratory research activities.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and technical issues across multiple projects.
• Provide hands-on laboratory support to other members of the research group as needed.
• Assist with implementation of new laboratory techniques and technologies.
Protocol Development & Research Compliance
• Develop and establish experimental protocols for laboratory studies.
• Standardize laboratory procedures to promote consistency and reproducibility.
• Perform molecular experiments in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Perform cellular experiments in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Perform animal-based experiments involving animal tissues in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
• Conduct studies involving human specimens in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
Cell Culture & Laboratory Operations
• Maintain cultures of human cells using rigorous aseptic techniques.
• Maintain cultures of murine cells using rigorous aseptic techniques.
• Monitor cell morphology to ensure culture quality.
• Determine cell counts and viability for cultured cells.
• Ensure adherence to high-quality cell culture practices.
Data Analysis, Communication & Scientific Contributions
• Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records.
• Analyze research data to support study objectives and scientific conclusions.
• Interpret experimental findings and communicate results to the Principal Investigator and research team.
• Generate high-quality experimental data for scientific publications.
• Contribute data and research findings for scientific presentations.
• Support grant application development through generation of experimental data.
• Participate in collaborative research initiatives that advance laboratory and departmental goals.
Education: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.
Preferred Education: Master's Level Degree
Experience: Five years of experience in scientific or experimental research work.
Preferred Experience: With preferred degree, three years of experience desirable.
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.
Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 182419
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 59,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 74,000
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 89,000
• 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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