Laboratory Services Supervisor II - Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, College of Sciences

Location: San Antonio, TX
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 13347
Full/Part Time: Full Time

Org Marketing Statement

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cybersecurity, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. With more than 35,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on career readiness the university produces more graduates for the workforce than any other institution in the region. It is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world. UTSA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UTSA Today or on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

In 2024, the UT System Board of Regents authorized UT System to begin integrating UTSA and UT Health San Antonio into one unified institution, establishing a world-class university that integrates academic, research, and clinical excellence to build a profoundly impactful university of the future. Driven by a vision for growth and impact, this merger will expand capacity to offer robust undergraduate and graduate programs, attract top-tier faculty and staff, develop innovative initiatives, and elevate transdisciplinary research to address the evolving needs of the region.

Posting End Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 04/25/2025. At the discretion of the hiring department, this position posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Salary Range: Up to $55,000 annualized, commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

Hours: up to 40 hours per week, exempt.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume is required.
• Cover Letter is preferred.

Essential Functions

Job Summary

To provide comprehensive support in the coordination and execution of advanced research activities within the Lab, specializing in immune mechanisms in response to viral respiratory infections and environmental exposures. This role involves overseeing the day-to-day research operations, managing lab resources, and ensuring the successful implementation of complex technical procedures. Responsible for the coordination, execution, and administrative management of research project focused on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2, and the effect of environmental pollutants on vulnerable populations, particularly infants and pregnant women. The role includes direct involvement in experimental design, data collection and analysis, lab management, and supervision of technical staff and students, ensuring that all research activities align with the lab's objectives and regulatory requirements.

This position has funding for three years. Continuation past three years is contingent upon available funding.

Core Responsibilities

• Conducts and oversees specialized technical research utilizing advanced scientific equipment and methodologies.
• Performs respiratory virus production, quantitation/tittering, protein chemistry, electrophoresis, western blotting, ELISAs, Aurora Cytek 5-laser flow cytometer, and Meso Scale Discovery Platform (MSD-ECL).
• Carries out diagnostic histology and lung function analysis in both neonatal and adult mice, including complex procedures such as tracheostomy, tracheal intubation, collection of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and ventilation for neonatal and adult mice.
• Processes human blood samples from local hospitals for RSV and COVID-19 studies, ensuring high precision and compliance with protocols.
• Manages animal husbandry, genotyping, and exposure experiments, including particulate matter exposure, RSV infection, and surgical procedures to extract lunch fluid and prepare samples for flow cytometry, RNA, and protein assays.
• Oversees lab operations including ordering, purchasing, inventory, safety compliance, equipment maintenance and calibration, and lab travel.
• Prepares and monitors lab budgets, ensuring alignment with funding agency requirements and adherence to financial constraints.
• Coordinates with lab members, providing technical support, employee management, and ensuring the smooth functioning of daily operations.
• Conducts specialized computer analysis of research data, including programming and the use of software like Prism and FlowJo for flow cytometry data analysis.
• Presents data at laboratory meetings, ensuring the integrity and organization of experimental data.
• Trains and supervises undergraduate, graduate students, and postdocs in advanced research techniques.
• Provides technical instruction on laboratory protocols, equipment usage, and ensures adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Assists laboratory members in the completing of specific experiments, including RSV stick preparation, titration, and flow cytometry operation.
• Collaborates on research projects, contributing to experimental design and data interpretation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related area from an accredited institution.
• Three (3) years of experience in laboratory supervision or laboratory instruction.
• Experience working with neonatal mice and pulmonary/respiratory fluids and whole blood collected from human infants.
• Experience working with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is required.
• Experience with grant or working administration.
• Experience maintaining laboratory equipment, supplies, and budget, ensuring efficient and effective lab operations.
• Experience with daily lab operations, ensuring compliance with Biosafety, IRB and animal protocol, and external regulatory requirements.
• This position requires the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UTSA and its infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Include two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience managing laboratory staff, including recruitment, training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Experience coordinating research activities, including complex technical procedures, data analysis, and presentation.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of sources of supplies relating to the laboratory experiments.
• Good personnel and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Additional Information

• UTSA is a tobacco free campus.
• This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Working Conditions

Working Environment:

• Usual office and laboratory conditions.
• Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions, or other business-related events.
• Occasional after-hours and weekend work or overtime may be required.
• Some exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals.

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required, only occasionally.
• Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally.

This position will be primarily located on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UTSA campuses are accessible to persons with disabilities.