INTRODUCTION

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Lymphoma-Myeloma Research department supports translational and clinical research programs focused on advancing scientific discovery through biospecimen collection, laboratory processing, clinical research support, and research data management. The Research Assistant II contributes to these efforts by supporting research operations that facilitate high-quality specimen handling and patient-centered research activities.

The Research Assistant II works closely with investigators, clinical operations teams, research staff, and patients to support research protocols and study objectives. The Research Assistant II plays an important role in biospecimen management, regulatory compliance, clinical research support, and data collection activities. The Research Assistant II helps ensure research processes are conducted accurately, safely, and in accordance with institutional standards.

The ideal candidate will possess experience supporting translational and clinical research activities involving biospecimen processing, patient interaction, data management, and regulatory compliance. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of human subjects research requirements, Protected Health Information guidelines, biospecimen handling procedures, and the ability to maintain accurate research documentation and databases.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Translational Research & Laboratory Support

• Process human subject tissue samples daily, including tumor biopsies, blood, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, and cellular therapy products according to SOPs.
• Collect tissue from clinical operations teams, including standard-of-care and clinical trial research biospecimens.
• Maintain accurate sample logs and database entries to support biospecimen banking and retrieval.
• Provide real-time feedback regarding biospecimen collection best practices and handling guidelines.
• Ensure sample quality aligns with project-specific research goals and requirements.
• Coordinate implementation of new research protocol collection processes independently.
• Establish and maintain databases supporting new research collection activities.
• Identify suitable biospecimen samples based on scientific rationale for research requests.
• Assemble sample vials and manifests with 100% accuracy for distribution to internal and external research groups.
• Maintain compliance with human subjects research regulations, PHI requirements, and biospecimen safety regulations.

Clinical Research Support

• Enter order requests within the institutional Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
• Ensure research supplies are available to support successful specimen collections.
• Perform informed consent procedures for minimal-risk research protocols in accordance with institutional policies and research guidelines.
• Educate patients regarding participation in research studies for which they meet enrollment criteria.
• Assist patients with study questionnaires and other research-related procedures.

Research Data Entry

• Record patient information accurately from the Electronic Medical Record into study databases.
• Document biospecimen and sample collection details in study records.
• Record outcomes of patient study visits within study databases.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely research documentation.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION
• Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.
• Preferred: Master's Degree Basic Science.

• Preferred: Medical Degree

• WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: One year Scientific or experimental research work experience or no experience required with preferred degree.

COMPENSATION

• Salary Range (Hourly Equivalent): Minimum $21.63 - Midpoint $27.16 - Maximum $32.69
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 45,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 56,500
• Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 68,000

WORK LOCATION

• Work Location: Houston, TX (Onsite)
• The typical work schedule is Days.

WHY US?

At UT MD Anderson, the Research Assistant II has the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research that improves patient outcomes. This role offers exposure to innovative translational and clinical research programs while supporting professional development, collaboration with leading researchers and clinicians, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote career growth and work-life balance.

• 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.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Requisition ID: 182856
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• 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

LI-Onsite