Research Assistant I/II - Neurology (BRAINS Lab)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I/II POSITION SUMMARY: The Department of Neurology is seeking a Research Assistant to support basic science research on Alzheimer’s disease and Brain barriers under the guidance of senior research staff. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic research community alongside international researchers and faculty specializing in brain aging and neurodegeneration.

POSITION KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Conducts research activities, under general direction, according to research protocols. Research activities may include some or all of the following: research animal colony maintenance and husbandry, execution and completion of assigned experiments, data acquisition and record keeping, reporting results to the principal investigator (PI), assisting in manuscript preparation and presentations.
• Works with PI to draft regulatory documents, including research animal, chemical, laser, and radiation protocols.
• General laboratory techniques including: administration of research materials in live experimental models, biological fluid collection, tissue dissection, DNA/RNA/protein preparation, PCR, ELISA, Western blotting, mammalian cell culture, immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical stains, fluorescent microscopy, radiotherapeutics use, and animal behavioral testing.
• Coordinates and Maintains adequate level of lab supplies to assure timely achievement of lab activities.
• Maintains accurate and timely records to include study binders, notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project and research protocol compliance.
• 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 protocols for research department
• 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.
• Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulation and codes.
• May participate in continuing education programs, workshops and seminars.
• Summarizing experimental results, preparing progress reports, and helping
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

CERTIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

Ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills (English proficient), attention to detail, highly organized, self-driven, and motivated. The ability to work independently and cooperatively, think critically, and be proficient in statistical and graphical analysis of data is desired.

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 close direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Under close supervision, conducts research activities according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following: patient recruiting and screening, traditional laboratory experiments and activities, informatics, field interviewer recruiting, screening and training and/or animal laboratories.
• May maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Collects, evaluates, and interprets 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.
• As needed, may coordinate the work of laboratory technicians and assistants 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.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in lieu of education.

Minimum Experience:

No years of experience.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds constantly 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.