Research Assistant I - IMM-Cardiovascular Genetics

We are hiring immediately for a Research Assistant I (Full-time) to join the UTHealth Houston Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine in Houston, TX 77030. In this position, you will carry out experiments needed for research projects, breeding and testing transgenic mice, lab ordering, and supply stocking. Excellent communication and organizational skills are required. Previous experiences with animal handling and cell culture are preferred.

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:

The Research Assistant I, under general supervision, conducts basic/ translational research which may include animal work and other activities according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following: handling biological samples, laboratory experiments and activities, and data collection.

Primary activities will include carrying out experiments needed for research projects, breeding and testing transgenic mice, lab ordering and supply stocking. The successful candidate will maintain timely and accurate laboratory records and coordinate with other lab members to ensure efficient, timely and high-quality results.

Position Key Accountabilities:

Under close supervision of senior research staff, perform research projects or facilitates others’ projects. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices. Conducts research activities according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following: traditional laboratory experiments and activities, screening and/or animal laboratories.

May maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

Collects research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates notebooks, records, and databases as needed.

Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department.

Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff or principal investigators.

May coordinate the work of postdoctoral fellows to ensure efficient, timely and high-quality results.

Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

General knowledge of research fields

Experience in one or more of the following will be an added advantage: molecular genetics & biology and mouse models, preferred.

Previous experiences with animal handling and cell culture are preferred.

Minimum Education:

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

Minimum Experience:

None

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.