Research Associate

University of Texas at Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas

Posted on Sep 24, 2026
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Posting Number S07260P
Position Title Research Associate
Functional Title Research Associate
Department Bioengineering
Salary Range $63,480
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date 09/23/2026
Posting Close Date 09/30/2026
Open Until Filled No
Desired Start Date
Job Summary
A postdoctoral position in cancer biology and tumor microenvironment research is immediately available in the laboratory of Chen Cao in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. The research associate will lead projects investigating how spatial organization, cell-cell interactions, and the physical microenvironment regulate tumor cell states, invasion, and therapeutic responses.

The project integrates cancer biology with engineered tumor microenvironment models and quantitative imaging. Research may involve human head and neck or breast cancer models, fibroblasts, immune populations, 2D/3D cell culture, patient-derived models, biomaterials or bioprinting, perturbation experiments, and single-cell or spatial profiling. The successful candidate is expected to take scientific ownership of the project, interpret data critically, formulate testable hypotheses, and define the most informative next experiments.
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D in a related field.

Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred Education and Experience
  • Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in cancer biology, cell biology, tumor immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline.
  • A strong conceptual foundation in cancer biology and the tumor microenvironment is required. Experience with tumor-stromal or tumor-immune interactions is highly desirable.
  • Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and quantitative biological assays is required. Experience with 3D culture, organoids or patient-derived models, macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, HNSCC, breast cancer, biomaterials/bioprinting, or advanced microscopy is a plus.
  • Candidates should demonstrate the ability to design experiments, interpret data independently, prioritize informative experiments, and drive a research project toward publication.
  • Scientific productivity demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications is preferred; recent Ph.D. graduates and candidates completing their Ph.D. are encouraged to apply.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work productively in a multidisciplinary team are required.
Other Qualifications
To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Design and execute hypothesis-driven experiments using mammalian cancer cell culture and engineered 2D/3D tumor microenvironment models.
  • Investigate tumor-stromal and tumor-immune interactions, including interactions among tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages and other immune populations.
  • Perform quantitative microscopy and image analysis to measure cell-state changes, spatial organization, migration/invasion, viability and other phenotypic responses.
  • Apply and/or coordinate molecular, cellular, single-cell and spatial profiling approaches to characterize tumor microenvironment responses.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental results, troubleshoot unexpected findings, integrate results with the literature, and define logical next steps for the project.
  • Maintain rigorous and reproducible experimental records and contribute to data organization, figure preparation and statistical analysis.
  • Write manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, present research at national/international conferences, and contribute to proposal preparation.
  • Work closely with graduate and undergraduate students and with collaborators in biology, engineering, imaging and computational analysis.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
Work is conducted on-site and in-person

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Tuition Benefits
  • BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Plan Options
  • Long and short-term disability
  • TRS Retirement Plan
  • Fertility Benefits
  • Paid time off
All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

About Us
UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.
Let us be your employer of choice! #WHOOSH
Special Instructions Summary
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.
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