Research Assistant I - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

We are hiring a Research Assistant I to join the UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. In this role, you will perform foundational laboratory procedures to support research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of lung and skin diseases. A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry or related fiel, experience with mouse handling, and basic molecular biology techniques is preferred.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, conducts basic/ translational research which may include animal work and other activities according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following: handle biological samples, laboratory experiments and activities, and data collection.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Under general supervision, performs laboratory experiments and activities to support research objectives
• Tissue Culture: Assisting with the preparation and maintenance of primary cell cultures.
• Model Organism Maintenance: Providing daily care and genotyping mouse colonies.
• Experimental Support: Executing basic protocols in molecular biology and cell biology, such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR for genotyping.
• Data Documentation: Maintaining clear, organized, and accurate records of all experimental procedures and results in a laboratory notebook.
• Managing inventory, ordering reagents, and preparing standard buffers and media.
• Protocol Compliance: Staying abreast of new and updated research protocols and ensuring all work complies with University and governmental policies and regulations.
• Support: As needed, assisting in coordinating
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• Mouse handling experience, preferred.
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques, preferred.
• Aseptic cell culture experience, preferred.

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor's Degree required May substitute required education with equivalent years of experience beyond the minimum experience requirement.

Minimum Experience:

• None

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.