Senior Administrative Assistant - Translational Neuroscience

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Senior Administrative Assistant to support the Department of Translational Neuroscience. The Department of Translational Neuroscience advances innovative research focused on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying neurological diseases and cancer-related neurological conditions while fostering collaboration among faculty, researchers, trainees, and institutional partners. The Senior Administrative Assistant provides comprehensive administrative, operational, financial, project, and laboratory support that enables the department to achieve its research, education, and operational goals. The Senior Administrative Assistant serves as a key resource for faculty and staff while ensuring the efficient coordination of departmental activities. The Senior Administrative Assistant plays an integral role in supporting day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives across the department.

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Through groundbreaking research, exceptional patient care, and innovative educational programs, UT MD Anderson is dedicated to eliminating cancer and advancing discoveries that improve patient outcomes worldwide.

The ideal candidate will have Concour travel expense and seminar series planning; demonstrate strong administrative and organizational experience within an academic, healthcare, research, or laboratory environment, with the ability to support faculty, coordinate projects and events, manage financial processes, maintain accurate records, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Experience supporting laboratory operations, purchasing activities, inventory management, onboarding efforts, and departmental communications is highly valued.

Salary Range\: $45,500 - $57,000 - $68,500

Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the mission of UT MD Anderson by supporting translational neuroscience research, faculty operations, laboratory activities, and departmental initiatives that advance scientific discovery and innovation. The position provides exposure to a dynamic research environment, opportunities for professional growth, meaningful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and involvement in projects that support both departmental success and organizational excellence while promoting a healthy 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.

Responsibilities
Administrative & Operational Support • Provide administrative and operational support for departmental activities • Coordinate meetings, conferences, seminars, and special events • Manage scheduling, calendars, agendas, correspondence, presentations, catering, audiovisual support, and meeting minutes • Initiate travel coordination and Kronos/Web Schedule timekeeping activities for assigned faculty groups • Perform departmental administrative functions for assigned faculty groups • Interpret and communicate institutional policies, procedures, and requirements • Serve as a liaison with faculty, staff, vendors, visitors, and external stakeholders

Financial, Purchasing & Project Support • Process expense reports and complete monthly account reconciliation for faculty PRS funds • Conduct monthly Statistical Sampling reconciliation for the department • Assist with purchasing office supplies, laboratory supplies, and equipment using institutional systems • Maintain accurate financial records and monitor departmental expenditures • Reconcile Procard transactions and supporting documentation • Ensure compliance with institutional purchasing and financial guidelines • Coordinate departmental projects, seminar series, and special initiatives • Assist with strategic planning efforts and monitor project progress and deliverables

Event Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement • Coordinate project logistics, stakeholder communications, visitor activities, and departmental events • Develop agendas and supporting materials for meetings and initiatives • Track action items and follow-up activities to support project completion • Coordinate visitor scheduling, accommodations, and related departmental support • Support seminar series planning and execution • Facilitate communication among faculty, staff, trainees, speakers, observers, and guests

Asset, Inventory, Facilities & Laboratory Support • Support departmental asset management, inventory control, inventory database maintenance, and asset reconciliation activities • Assist with annual inventory audits and warehouse transfers • Support space-planning activities and completion of the annual Space Survey • Maintain office, laboratory, kitchen, break room, and departmental supplies • Ensure common areas remain organized and fully stocked • Coordinate laboratory and animal facility scheduling and laboratory access • Assist with inspections, audits, inventory management, purchasing activities, and laboratory preparation for incoming faculty and staff

Onboarding, Communications & Departmental Support • Assist with onboarding, orientation, and welcome activities for employees, visitors, trainees, observers, speakers, and guests • Maintain email distribution lists and departmental communications • Prepare correspondence, posters, presentations, reports, and other departmental materials • Support departmental communication initiatives and information distribution • Perform additional administrative, operational, and special project duties as assigned