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.

The laboratory of Dr. Steven Norris at UTHealth McGovern Medical School hiring for a full-time Research Assistant to join their team of professionals. The laboratory uses a combination of genomics, genetics, bioinformatics and molecular biology approaches to study the biology of Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. The RA II will be responsible for conducting projects involving in vitro culture of Treponema pallidum, working with other laboratory personnel to perform and analyze experiments. The candidate must be willing to perform experiments utilizing laboratory animals (rabbits) and will be trained in required procedures.

• Presents experiments in lab meetings. 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.

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. Research activities may include some or all of the following:, handle biological samples, perform laboratory experiments and activities, and data collection. 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: cell culture, microbial culture, traditional molecular biology experiments and activities, working with laboratory animals (rabbits and mice).
• Under general direction, performs laboratory experiments and activities to support research objectives.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation including notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project. May prepare graphic representations of data results.
• Maintains clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Under general direction, monitors laboratory and/or other supplies to ensure sufficient inventory to support research projects in a timely manner.
• Stays abreast of new and updated procedures and protocols for research laboratory. Must maintain compliance with required training. May participates in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• None

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree required May substitute required education with equivalent years of experience beyond the minimum experience requirement.

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 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.