WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 

JOB SUMMARY
Works under general direction to either plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in assigned research projects or perform more complex research assignments requiring considerable experience and thorough knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical or scientific research. 

The Simmons comprehensive Cancer Center, newly developing shared resource Cancer Organoid Innovation Lab (COIL) is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant II to advancing cancer research through state-of-the-art organoid technologies. This is a unique opportunity to help build an innovative core facility that supports investigators across the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC).

The Research Assistant will work collaboratively with multiple research groups, providing technical expertise and support for the establishment, maintenance, and characterization of patient-derived organoid models. The position offers broad exposure to diverse cancer research programs and cutting-edge technologies that are transforming translational and precision oncology.

Key Responsibilities
•    Establish, maintain, and expand cancer organoid cultures from patient-derived and preclinical specimens.
•    Perform routine cell culture, organoid passaging, cryopreservation, quality control, and experimental assays.
•    Support investigators across multiple laboratories with organoid-based studies and technology implementation.
•    Assist with the optimization and standardization of protocols within the shared resource.
•    Maintain accurate experimental records, manage laboratory inventory, and ensure compliance with laboratory safety and quality standards.
•    Participate in the implementation of emerging technologies and workflows to enhance organoid research capabilities.
•    Collaborate effectively with investigators, trainees, and staff across the SCCC to facilitate high-quality research.

Qualifications
•    Experience with mammalian cell culture is highly desired; experience with 3D cell culture or organoids is a plus but not required.
•    Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
 

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education
  Master’s Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or 
  Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or 
  Completion of 2 years of college or specialized training in histology, serology, medical technology, etc. or 
  High School Diploma including courses in basic sciences or GED equivalent 
   

• Experience
  1 year of experience as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Master’s degree or 
  2 years of experience including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Bachelor’s degree or 
  5 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with two years of college or 
  7 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with High School Diploma or GED equivalent 
   

JOB DUTIES

• Plans, coordinates, and supervises assigned research projects, which may be limited as segment of larger project, exercising responsibility for project performance and accountability for progress; and/or personally performs advanced scientific and medical research work, suggesting modifications to, or improvements in, design of research projects, presenting original ideas for follow-up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates experimental or other special designed laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Assembles and analyzes research data.
• Assists in preparation of material for reports or publication.
• May supervise group of Research Technicians and/or Research Assistants of lower grade, making work assignments, advising on work procedures, and reviewing work in process and upon completion.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.