Research Assistant I, GI Medical Oncology

About the Role

The Research Assistant I position supports the mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center by contributing to laboratory operations and biospecimen management activities that advance clinical and translational research within the GI Medical Oncology department. This role supports biospecimen collection, processing, and banking operations for clinical and translational research studies under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and research leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Support Biospecimen Collection & Processing

• Perform collection of blood and tissue specimens according to established protocols and regulations.
• Process blood and tissue specimens for clinical and translational research studies.
• Label specimens accurately and according to established protocols.
• Store and bank blood and tissue specimens in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Process blood and other fluid specimens to support research studies.
• Ensure timely and high-quality handling of biospecimens for current and future research initiatives.

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance

• Prepare and maintain laboratory areas.
• Ensure laboratory cleanliness and proper aseptic techniques.
• Maintain and clean laboratory equipment.
• Organize equipment repair procedures.
• Maintain laboratory stock supplies.
• Manage chemical inventories.
• Maintain laboratory safety records.
• Provide general laboratory support as needed.

Specimen Documentation & Inventory Management

• Prepare records for specimen filing.
• Prepare labels for specimen filing and tracking.
• Serve as curator of specimen files and retrieval systems.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of research protocols.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental data.
• Maintain biorepository inventories and associated records.

Research Support & Collaboration

• Collaborate with investigators to facilitate research activities.
• Collaborate with research staff to support participant enrollment and sample collection.
• Collaborate with trainees to support laboratory activities.
• Perform technical duties related to specimen photography.
• Distribute materials for interpretation.
• Support biospecimen banking operations that enhance research capacity.

Reporting & Operational Continuity

• Compile work reports for the supervisor.
• Write work reports for the supervisor.
• Submit work reports to the supervisor.
• Provide coverage support for biospecimen processing operations.
• Provide cross-training support to ensure operational continuity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

Education

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

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in laboratory-based clinical and translational research.
• Hands-on experience in blood and tissue specimen processing.
• Experience with in vitro cell culture techniques.
• Experience with laboratory operations.
• Experience with accurate recordkeeping.
• Experience with biospecimen management.

Salary Information

• Minimum Salary: $18.99/hour
• Midpoint Salary: $23.80/hour
• Maximum Salary: $28.61/hour
• Minimum Annual Salary: USD 39,500
• Midpoint Annual Salary: USD 49,500
• Maximum Annual Salary: USD 59,500
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay

Work Location

• Houston, TX
• Onsite

Typical Work Schedule

• Days
• 40-hour work week

Additional Information

• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Fund Type: Soft
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available: Yes