Research Assistant I - Neurobiology & Anatomy

The Mohan lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and reliable Research Assistant to support projects investigating neural circuit dysfunction underlying sensorimotor deficits in neurological disorders. Responsibilities include conducting experiments in behaving mice (with opportunities for first- or co-authored publications), breeding and maintaining transgenic lines, managing lab supplies, and assisting with general laboratory operations. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

The candidate will receive hands-on training in state-of-the-art systems neuroscience techniques, including widefield and two-photon imaging, optogenetics, neuroanatomical circuit tracing, behavioral training, and computational analysis using modern machine learning and AI approaches.

As one of the early members of a newly established lab, the successful candidate will play a key role in building experimental infrastructure, developing novel behavioral paradigms, and shaping the lab’s research direction. The position offers a highly collaborative environment within a vibrant department and access to the broader Houston neuroscience community, including Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Houston, and Rice University, as well as physician-scientists fostering translational research opportunities.

Lab Website: www.mohan-lab.org

About the lab

The lab is located in the world’s largest medical center and is part of a vibrant department with diverse expertise spanning multiple areas of neuroscience, offering abundant opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. The candidate will also benefit from the broader neuroscience community across the numerous Texas Medical Center institutions around UTHealth including Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University. This includes access to state-of-the-art resources, intellectual exchange, and collaborative opportunities with a wide range of scientists.

Additionally, the candidate will have the unique advantage of working within an institute that maintains a large network of clinicians, providing ample opportunities to pursue projects at the intersection of basic neuroscience and clinical application. They can participate in various Certificate Training Program to augment laboratory training with structured career development courses, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for their next stage of professional growth and independence. This dynamic, resource-rich environment is ideal for individuals seeking to grow and excel in both fundamental and translational systems neuroscience research.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a single PDF file including a curriculum vitae, a brief cover letter outlining their research interests and goals, with at least two letters of reference/contact information.

Additional inquiries can be made to Hemanth.Mohan@uth.tmc.edu.

Bachelors in any Biomedical Sciences Discipline, Engineering, Computer Science or related fields and an interest in understanding the neural circuit mechanisms in neurological disorders is preferred.

Preferred Skills:

· Willing to work with awake behaving animals and learn/perform rodent surgeries.

· Experience with data analysis software, either MATLAB or Python, is desirable

· Prior experience with rodent handling and surgery is desired or should be willing to learn.

· Prior experience with imaging or electrophysiology recording in behaving animals is a plus.

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
• Collects, organize and prepares research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates notebooks, records, and databases as needed
• Maintains clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff.
• Stays abreast of new and updated procedures and protocols for the research laboratory. Must maintain compliance with required training. May participate in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops.
• As needed, may coordinate the work of technicians to ensure efficient, timely and high-quality results.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• None

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree requiredMay 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.