Research Assistant I, GI Medical Oncology

About the Role

The Research Assistant I position at UT MD Anderson supports exceptional patient care, innovative research, prevention, and education by contributing to laboratory operations and biospecimen management. This role specifically supports biospecimen collection, processing, and banking for clinical and translational research studies within the GI Medical Oncology department. The Research Assistant I works under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and research leadership, ensuring high-quality biospecimen handling, accurate documentation, and efficient laboratory operations. This role involves collaboration with investigators, research staff, and trainees to support research activities and expand biospecimen processing capacity.

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, write, and submit work reports for 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

• Bachelor's Degree in a Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline.
• Demonstrates interest in laboratory-based clinical and translational research.
• Hands-on experience in blood and tissue specimen processing, in vitro cell culture techniques, laboratory operations, accurate recordkeeping, and biospecimen management will be well positioned for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a Natural Science or Applied Science in a research-related discipline.
• No prior work experience required.

Additional Information

• Work Location: Houston, TX
• Typical Work Schedule: Days
• Requisition ID: 182775
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
• Salary Information (40-hour work week): Minimum $18.99/hour • Midpoint $23.80/hour • Maximum $28.61/hour