Research Assistant

Job Title

Research Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Chemistry

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment    

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.   

Who We Are

Texas A&M University’s Department of Chemistry is a cadre of faculty, staff, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, academic advisors, scientific and technical staff, who have a shared purpose of translating our passion for chemistry to young scholars at all levels in many scientific fields. The Business Office strives to support the goals of the faculty, staff and students in teaching, research and outreach programs, and adheres to the professional standards and integrity in processing university Business. To learn more, please visit our website: http://www.chem.tamu.edu/     

What We Want 

The Research Assistant will focus on the synthesis of compounds containing a peptide part and an organic fragment that often will be a fluorescent dye. The primary objective for the Research Assistant will be to discover compounds that bind and activate cell surface receptors such as the Trks and GDNFa’s. If the description sounds exciting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity to join our team.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate’s education and experience.

Required Education and Experience:

• B.S. in Chemistry or related field

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be detail-oriented and able to successfully organize tasks and prioritize work

• Must be able to problem solve independently

• Experience creating and documenting standard operating procedures for laboratory activities

• Ability to engage in independent literature study to acquire skills and knowledge needed to complete research projects

• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory equipment and analytical instruments

• Working knowledge of standard office software applications

• Working knowledge of laboratory automation systems

• May require moving/lifting/carrying heavy items and equipment

• Prolonged periods of standing and frequent movements between laboratory rooms are often required during experiments 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of quality management protocols

• Knowledge and use of databases and scientific software

Responsibilities:

• Compound Research: Perform synthesis of compounds containing a peptide part and an organic fragment that often will be a fluorescent dye. Perform cell culture at BSL2 level. Testing of compounds in cell survival, blotting, binding assays. Visualize their localization in cells via confocal microscopy, and quantization via FACS Screening.

• Documenting Laboratory Procedures and Experimental Activities: Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for routine laboratory work. Keep detailed records of experimental procedures.

• Practicing and Promoting Laboratory Safety and Good Housekeeping: Maintain clean and organized workspaces. Identify and implement safety best-practices for all hazardous work. Develop and document lab-specific safety practices for new or modified research activities. Dispose chemical waste by appropriate means in a timely manner. Keep up to date on all required chemical and radiological safety training modules. Assist undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research and perform other duties as assigned.

Why Texas A&M University?   

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.   

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts , and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave  and at least eight hours of paid vacation  each month 

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas   

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time  

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning  training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more  

• Educational release time and tuition assistance  for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee 

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.