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The Schrank Laboratory is looking for a creative and motivated Research Assistant to join our team. We are a friendly, collaborative lab focused on advancing solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in cancer therapy. Our lab investigates how genome instability allows tumors to evolve, resist treatment, and evade the immune system. We aim to understand these fundamental mechanisms and then use that knowledge to develop new therapeutic strategies. A key focus is engineering innovative antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and nano-delivery vehicles to make resistant "cold" tumors vulnerable to immunotherapy. The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to provide responsible technical assistance in carrying out various research projects and assistance in maintaining efficient functioning of the laboratory. Requires scientific and technical background, independent decision making, judgment and organizational skills.

The ideal candidate has a strong mix of *wet lab and computational biology skills*, with experience in *bioinformatics* and *in vitro cell culture*. They should be capable of integrating experimental and analytical approaches to support translational cancer research and thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary lab environment.

Onsite Position

Hourly breakdown of the salary:

Minimum $18.99 - Midpoint $23.79 - Maximum $28.60

MD Anderson offers our employees:

- Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week

- Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage

- Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals

- Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs

- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service

- Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans

- Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program

- Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups.

Key Functions Summary

* Support *basic and translational research* projects focused on engineering novel cancer therapeutics.

* Prepare and process *tissue samples* (tumors, lymphoid organs, blood) from murine models for molecular and immunologic analysis.

* Conduct and optimize *immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry* to study tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

* Assist with advanced genomic techniques such as *spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and ChIP assays*.

* Maintain detailed *experimental records* related to animal handling, treatments, and results.

* Perform *in vitro cell culture* and standard *molecular biology assays* (PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, Western blotting).

* Assist with *mouse colony management*, genotyping, and IACUC compliance.

* Analyze, organize, and summarize *experimental data* for lab presentations and publications.

* Participate in *lab meetings, journal clubs, and interdisciplinary collaborations*.

*EDUCATION*

* Required: Bachelor's Degree Basic Science.

*WORK EXPERIENCE*

* Required: None

* Preferred: Wet lab skills, Computational Biology background

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent [benefits](https://www.utsystem.edu/offices/employee-benefits/insurance-0/eligibility), including medical, dental, [paid time off](https://www.mdanderson.org/about-md-anderson/employee-resources/leave.html), [retirement](https://www.utsystem.edu/offices/employee-benefits/ut-retirement-program/voluntary-retirement-programs), 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](http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html)

Additional Information

* Requisition ID: 176881

* 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: Onsite

* Pivotal Position: Yes

* Referral Bonus Available?: Yes

* Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

\#LI-Onsite