Research Assistant II - Institute of Molecular Medicine - Texas Therapeutics Institute

Location: Texas Medical Center-Houston, Texas

Category: Research

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

Requisition #: 240001GP

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.

Exciting opportunity available at the Institute of Molecular Medicine - Texas Therapeutics Institute! This is a full-time nonexempt position located at 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030.

We prefer candidates with prior experience in relevant biomedical laboratories. Demonstrated commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing critical healthcare challenges will be highly valued in the ideal candidate. This role entails daily laboratory experiments supporting vaccine and antibody development, such as Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Virology, Structural Biology, and Animal Study techniques. The successful candidate will learn by working closely with senior researchers and gaining valuable experience in diverse experimental methodologies.

This role is a key part of our vibrant research team, specializing in vaccine and antibody development with a specific focus on pandemic preparedness. Our projects cover fundamental mechanistic studies and the design of therapeutics targeting significant human diseases, such as viral infections, cancer, and Alzheimer's. The collaborative and impactful environment creates a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to make valuable contributions to crucial areas of biomedical research.

Molecular Biology, such as PCR and gene cloning; Biochemistry, such as protein purification and affinity measurement; Cell Biology, such as cell fusion assays; Virology, such as viral neutralization assays (non-pathogenic); Structural Biology, such as X-ray crystallography and Electron Microscopy analysis; and Animal Study, such as mouse immunization. The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research in vaccine and antibody therapeutic development against a broad spectrum of medical challenges.

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 direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices.

Position Key Accountabilities:

Conducts research activities, under general direction, according to research. Research activities may include some or all of the following: patient recruiting and screening, traditional laboratory experiments and activities, informatics, field interviewer recruiting, screening and training and/or animal laboratories.

Maintains adequate level of lab supplies to assure timely achievement of lab activities.

Maintains accurate and timely records to include notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project.

Monitors laboratory and/or other supplies to ensure sufficient inventory to support research projects. Ensures quality of reagents or other supplies.

Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department

As needed, coordinates the work of laboratory technicians, support staff and other assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results. Answers questions or resolves problems regarding routine or more complex duties.

Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulation and codes.

May participate in continuing education programs, workshops and seminars.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

General knowledge and some detailed concepts of research field assigned.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in lieu of education.

Minimum Experience:

One year of related experience in a research or clinical lab environment.

May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.

Physical Requirements:

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

This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive agents.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

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

If you are looking for a great healthcare career in Houston, visithttp://go.uth.edu/careers!

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)

Established in 1972 by The University of Texas System Board of Regents, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is Houston’s Health University and Texas’ resource for health care education, innovation, scientific discovery and excellence in patient care. The most comprehensive academic health center in the UT System and the U.S. Gulf Coast region, UTHealth Houston is home to schools of biomedical informatics, biomedical sciences, dentistry, nursing and public health and the John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School. UTHealth Houston includes The University of Texas Harris County Psychiatric Center, as well as the growing clinical practices UT Physicians, UT Dentists and UT Health Services. The university’s primary teaching hospitals are Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital.

UTHealth Benefits

UTHealth Houston offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. For more information on our benefits programs please refer to the UTHealth Houston Office of Benefits Website.

https://www.uth.edu/benefits/

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

UTHealth Houston is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law or university policy. Reasonable accommodation, based on disability or religious observances, will be considered in accordance with applicable law and UTHealth Houston policy. The University maintains affirmative action programs with respect to women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and eligible veterans in accordance with applicable law.

UTHealthHoustonhas adopted a policy consistent with CMS regulations to protect our patients and university community from exposure to COVID-19. This policy affects all employees, residents, fellows, students, contractors, new hires, visiting scholars program participants, adjunct faculty, and volunteers who work, train, or collaborate at the John S. Dunn Behavioral Science Center.

In addition, all UTHealthHouston​​​​​​​employees who are assigned to work at a location that is subject to the affiliated partner’s hospital, clinical offices, or agency are required to abide by UTHealth’sHoustonrules and regulations, as well as the affiliate’s rules and regulations, including COVID-19 vaccination and safety requirements.

Work location is based on the needs of the department and may be adjusted.