Research Assistant I - Institute of Molecular Medicine, Human Genetics

Full-time, nonexempt position located in our Institute of Molecular Medicine, Human Genetics. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Assistant.

The successful candidate will join a laboratory developing and utilizing cutting-edge genetic, biochemical, cellular, functional genomic and computational technologies for dissection of complex renal and cardiovascular diseases and traits, and expected to perform routine molecular and genetic analyses in this research laboratory on a number of projects and working with animal/cellular models of human disease/trait. The position will be responsible for performing basic laboratory techniques, and a variety of experiments of routine nature, collaborating with lab members on different projects, contributing to the organization of the lab and providing support for various aspects of experimental research. The position will work under general supervision.

 

1.     Lab Duties – Basic lab duties (i.e. prepare solutions and reagents, routine genetic analyses, etc.) under general supervision as well as more advanced duties under direct supervision. Collection of research data and generation of reports. Maintenance and handling of animal colonies (mouse, rat, zebrafish) as needed. Performs routine technical tasks, general maintenance of the lab, such as prepare stock reagents, ordering and tracking of laboratory supplies, maintain inventory of the laboratory supplies, general maintenance of lab equipment, washing, drying and sterilization of laboratory glassware/plasticware. General techniques in genetics and molecular biology (DNA, RNA and protein extraction and analysis, genotyping, and sequencing), biochemistry and cell culture. Under supervision, will participate in standard lab experiments. Maintain careful laboratory notes on all experiments performed.

2.     Developing Procedures – Assists in implementing new procedures and protocols to support experiments. Participates actively in developing, recommending and implementing new approved procedures, or modifications to existing protocols and procedures. Maintains and updates technical knowledge.

3.     Communication/Relationship with Others – Cooperates, communicates and relates well to all levels of Medical Center. Listens carefully to others in order to respond appropriately, answer questions or obtain needed information. Communicates ideas, problems, suggestions, and messages in a timely and effective manner. Maintains the confidentiality of all research information.

4.     Judgment/Decision-Making – Is able to recognize problems as they occur; and through the application of appropriate policy/ procedure, determine and/or recommends the appropriate solution. Seeks guidance as necessary for the performance of duties asks appropriate questions when in doubt and utilizes reference sources/materials to endure accuracy. Advises appropriate personnel of situations/problems requiring intervention or follow-up attention.

5.     Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes.

6.     Performs custodial laboratory duties.

7.     Performs other duties as assigned.

 

 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 close direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects.

Position Key Accountabilities:

Under close supervision, conducts research activities according to research protocol. 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. 

May maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

Collects, evaluates, and interprets research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates notebooks, records, and databases as needed.

Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department.

Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff.

As needed, may coordinate the work of laboratory technicians and assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results.

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

Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred qualifications: Bachelor’s of Science Degree (Life Sciences or a related field preferred but not required). Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field preferred. Experience with general techniques in genetics and molecular biology (DNA, RNA and protein extraction and analysis, genotyping, and sequencing); experience in cell culture; experience with animal models (mouse, rat, zebrafish) would be advantageous but is not required. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.

Certification/Skills:

General knowledge of research fields.

Minimum Education:

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

Minimum Experience:

No years of experience.

Physical Requirements:

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