Research Assistant

The Metis Foundation is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support the Quality Skin Collaborative for Advanced Skin Regeneration/Reconstruction (QSCARR) program at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR). Under the supervision of the QSCARR Program Manager, the Research Assistant will contribute to both pre-clinical and translational human research efforts with a focus on military-relevant regenerative medicine, wound healing, and combat casualty care.

This position offers a unique opportunity to be embedded in a military research environment, supporting projects that directly impact service members and advance innovations in trauma and surgical care.

Key Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations in a clinical or pre-clinical setting at USAISR, adhering to all safety and compliance guidelines.
• Conduct or assist with experiments involving tissue collection, sample processing, biomarker analysis, and imaging procedures.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, maintain inventory, and perform basic equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Accurately document experimental procedures and data.
• Follow protocols approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Institutional
• Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and maintain compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Participate in data collection and entry for both pre-clinical and human subjects research using secure, validated databases.
• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing research and help prepare future grant applications, abstracts, and manuscripts.
• Coordinate with collaborators, vendors, and clinical staff to support study logistics and procurement.
• Provide administrative support for QSCARR program activities, including meeting coordination and document management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biomedical sciences, public health, neuroscience, or a related scientific field.
• Willingness and ability to work in a pre-clinical and clinical environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an emphasis on accuracy and professionalism.
• Organized, self-motivated, and capable of working independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and willing to learn research data systems (e.g., REDCap).

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in laboratory research, preferably in military, academic, or clinical settings.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles.
• Experience with standard lab techniques such as pipetting, microscopy, tissue staining, or data logging.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks (e.g., IRB, IACUC, HIPAA).
• Knowledge of or interest in combat casualty care, regenerative medicine, or trauma research is highly desirable.

Work Conditions

Location: USAISR, Fort Sam Houston, TX

May involve exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and use of PPE in various settings.

May require standing for long periods, lifting supplies, or working evenings/weekends based on protocol needs.

Some travel may be required for training or collaboration with partner sites.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Clinic

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• San Antonio, TX 78234 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,500