Research Assistant III - Pediatrics

This position will work in the Trainor Lab in the Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center. The Pediatric Research Center is home to wide-ranging research focused on identifying the causes of birth defects with the ultimate goal of developing prevention and treatment strategies.

The Research Assistant III will independently perform complex laboratory experiments to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying craniofacial development and congenital birth defects. The individual will maintain accurate research records, analyze experimental data, assist with manuscript and grant preparation, and contribute to the day-to-day operations of a collaborative basic science research laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in developmental biology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, or embryology research, preferably using vertebrate animal models (e.g., mouse, zebrafish, or chick embryos)

• Proficiency with advanced laboratory techniques such as PCR, genotyping, DNA/RNA extraction, tissue processing, microscopy/imaging, immunohistochemistry, and maintaining accurate research records; experience contributing to manuscripts or grant preparation is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment, with strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and mentoring skills.

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 minimal direction of senior research staff, conducts and executes complex basic science/ translational experiments and research tasks and assists in the interpretation of the results.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Under minimal supervision, implements planned research experiments according to research protocol.
• Maintains accurate and timely records which may include notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project. May assist in the preparation and writing of research reports, manuscripts, papers, and grant proposals for presentation and publication.
• Maintains clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• 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 procedures and protocols for research laboratory. Must complete required training. May participates in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops.
• May provide guidance and training for support staff to ensure efficient, timely and high-quality results.
• May provide updates to Principal Investigator regarding research progress.
• Makes independent decisions as required, which may impact research team or assigned project.
• 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:

Two (2) years 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.