Research Assistant II - Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences

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.

 

We are looking for a Full-Time Research Assistant II to join the UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston, TX 77030. This position would support the Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES). The department is committed to excellence in research and affecting positive changes in the quality of health around the world. We utilize the latest genomic technology to understand the genetic etiology of many common chronic diseases that plague human populations. In this position, you will work as part of a professional research team with 10-12 individuals. You will work daily in a molecular genetics laboratory with a focus on data quality output, high throughput sample handling and inventory, genotyping, operating complex laboratory equipment, and biobanking projects. 

 

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: traditional laboratory experiments and activities, informatics, sample handling, sample inventory, consent and research document digitization, DNA and RNA extraction, genotyping, and use of sophisticated molecular biology equipment.
• Maintains adequate level of lab supplies to assure timely achievement of lab activities and participates in inventory.
• Maintains accurate and timely records to include notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project and digital archiving.
• 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 the research department.
• As needed, supports faculty, scientists, associates, and other staff 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, regulations, 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.
• DNA or RNA extraction skills are highly preferred. 
• Sterile Sample Handling techniques preferred. 
• Familiarity with Illumina Infinium chemistry and PCR technology is preferred.

 

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.