Research Assistant II/III - Neurosurgery

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant in the Department of Neurosurgery, and Center of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston.

Our laboratory combines interdisciplinary approaches including molecular biology, animal models and bioinformatics to address fundamental questions in neural injuries and neurodegeneration disease such as Alzheimer’s. We previously published the widely used brain RNA-Seq database (http://www.brainrnaseq.org/; the highest cited article in the Journal of neuroscience). We provide training opportunities in cutting-edge technologies such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. We are pursuing basic and translational research in neural repair and regenerative medicine. The position will involve the molecular mechanisms of neural injury, neurodegeneration and regeneration.

Our lab is located in the beautiful new facility of the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine in the Texas Medical Center. Texas Medical Center is one of the largest medical complexes in the world and provides access to more than 40 member institutions, including two medical schools, four schools of nursing and 13 renowned hospitals. Many scientific and educational opportunities are available in the metropolitan area of Houston as well as cultural, entertainment and sports activities.

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 general direction, conducts basic/ translational research, which may include animal work and other research activities. 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experimental skills in molecular biology such as molecular cloning, gene knockdown, over-expression, or immunoprecipitation.
• Preferably have background/experience in neuroscience.
• Demonstrated proficiency as evidenced by relevant publications in peer-reviewed journals and is motivated to acquire new skills.

The candidate will have the opportunity to pursue highly collaborative projects with significant translational impact, alongside with researchers and clinicians.

Position Key Accountabilities:

Research Assistant II

• 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.

Research Assistant III

• 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:

Research Assistant II

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

Research Assistant III

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

Minimum Experience:

Research Assistant II

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.

Research Assistant III

Two 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.