Open Rank: Research Assistant / Associate

Required Application Materials

A single PDF or Word document containing a resume, letter of interest, and a list of the names and contact information for three (3) professional references is required to apply.

Important Instructions:

When prompted to upload your “resume”, upload your combined documents as one file.

• Please do not upload documents to “Cover Letter” or “References”.

If the required application materials were not uploaded at the “resume” prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.

Job Summary

The Research Assistant is responsible for semi-independent laboratory work processing clinical samples as well as environmental specimens for biobanking and culturing of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Work includes isolation of immune cells from patient samples, cataloguing sample information, and maintenance of NTM strains.

The Research Associate is responsible for assisting the PI in research activities, including maintaining lab supplies and equipment, conducting biomedical experiments, analyzing data, publishing, and participating in biosafety and biomedical research-related training.

The level of the position will determine the amount of independence and supervision required.

Role will be filled according to the education, technical skills, direct relevant research experience, and qualifications of the selected candidate. Refer to Required Education and Experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Show excellent communication with Clinicians, Clinical Research Project Managers, Director, and other Laboratory personnel
• With minimal supervision, performs the following for patient sample biobanking - 1) check-in/accessioning of samples, 2) isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from blood samples with plasma/serum collection, 3) processing sputum and oral wash samples, and 4) processing other clinical samples as needed.
• Performs flow cytometric analyses of cell populations
• Assist in the maintenance of stock clinical, environmental, and reference cultures including subculturing and freezing of isolates.
• Processes environmental samples such as soil, biofilms, dust, and other diverse sample types for NTM
• Performs isolate characterization, sequencing and other molecular analyses on NTM isolates
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date inventories and descriptions of all samples
• Sets up and prepares microbiological assays along with basic quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Prepares laboratory reagents, buffers, culture media and plates etc. needed to complete work assignments.
• Preferred Lab skills: Aseptic techniques, cell culture, microbiological culture and bacterial stock maintenance and manipulation, lung cell purification, western blots, fluorescent microscopy, ELISA, use of research animals in the lab setting, environmental sample manipulation, etc
• Proficiency in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology (Lung), Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology
• Under the direction and supervision of the PI, assists in special research projects and work assignments
• Participates in biosafety and biomedical research-related training and maintains compliance with all safety training and requirements
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of laboratory reports and records of results.
• Compiles and tabulates data and provides preliminary analysis with minimal supervision at meetings.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience

Research Assistant

• Associate degree in one of the basic sciences relevant to the field of work/experience in a clinical or research laboratory.
• Previous work experience in a clinical or research laboratory is preferred.
• A combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Research Associate

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the basic sciences relevant to the field of work/experience in clinical or research microbiology laboratory.
• Two (2) years or more as a registered technician or technologist may be substituted for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• A combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Lab skills: Aseptic techniques, microbiological culture
• Adheres to safe working practices, regulations and accreditation of the department.
• Demonstrates a drive for excellence and innovative skills.
• Always adheres to safe working practices.
• Shows a drive for excellence.
• Willingness to work as scheduled and reports to work on time.
• Demonstrates excellent lab knowledge, adaptability, decision making, problem solving, informing, communication skills, and positively maintain professional and lab relationships.
• Remains accountable and willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
• Remains in compliance with all institutional training and code of conduct.

Working Environment

This is a technical/service environment.

This position may require work beyond normal working hours, including weekends.

About The University of Texas at Tyler and UT Tyler Health Science Center

The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 14 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.

Designated an R2 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UT Tyler supports our surrounding region through innovation intended to uplift communities, spearhead sustainability initiatives, preserve ecosystems and support entrepreneurship. UT Tyler has the highest Carnegie classification in East Texas.

Providing exceptional patient care, comprehensive education and innovative research, The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas combine to serve as the university medical center for Northeast Texas and beyond.

For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about.

Why work for UT Tyler? Find out more: Why Work for UT Tyler?

Additional Information

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

For more information regarding benefits offered by UT Tyler, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/offices/human-resources/employees/benefits.

Clinical Position Requirements

Clinical positions require pre-screening through our Occupational Health department, including a drug test. Employees are required to obtain annual influenza vaccines.

EEO Statement

The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.