Research Associate – Institute of Molecular Medicine – Texas Therapeutics Institute

Exciting opportunity available at the Institute of Molecular Medicine – Texas Therapeutics Institute! This is a full-time nonexempt position located at 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030.

We prefer candidates with prior experience in relevant biomedical laboratories. Demonstrated commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing critical healthcare challenges will be highly valued in the ideal candidate. This role entails daily laboratory experiments supporting vaccine and antibody development, such as Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Virology, Structural Biology, and Animal Study techniques. The successful candidate will learn by working closely with senior researchers and gaining valuable experience in diverse experimental methodologies.

This role is a key part of our vibrant research team, specializing in vaccine and antibody development with a specific focus on pandemic preparedness. Our projects cover fundamental mechanistic studies and the design of therapeutics targeting significant human diseases, such as viral infections, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. The collaborative and impactful environment creates a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to make valuable contributions to crucial areas of biomedical research.

Molecular Biology, such as PCR and gene cloning; Biochemistry, such as protein purification and affinity measurement; Cell Biology, such as cell fusion assays; Virology, such as viral neutralization assays (non-pathogenic); Structural Biology, such as X-ray crystallography and Electron Microscopy analysis; and Animal Study, such as mouse immunization. The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research in vaccine and antibody therapeutic development against a broad spectrum of medical challenges.

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:

Plans, conducts, and directs a wide variety of experiments. Assists with the day-to-day activities for research project(s) and may impact the success of the research project(s).

 

Position Key Accountabilities:

Collects, evaluates, interprets, and documents research data to accomplish the objectives of a wide variety of scientific experiments and research projects.

Influences project direction and outcomes by identifying opportunities to enhance, terminate, or re-direct research activities.

May recruit study participants or field interviewers.

Evaluates and interprets data and provides results to investigators to support publication.

Maintains quality control checks and a safe environment in compliance with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulation and codes.

Assists in the preparation and writing of research reports, manuscripts, papers and grant proposals for presentation and publication.

Provides direction and training to lab personnel to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results in compliance with all protocols, guidelines, regulations, etc.

Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Certification/Skills:

Considerable knowledge in basic and sophisticated equipment.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field with three (3) years of related research experience including experience in a lead research role; or
Master’s degree in a related field with one (1) year of related research experience including experience in a lead research role; or
Doctorate degree.

Minimum Experience:

Years of experience varies based on education level.

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. 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.