Research Program Coordinator - College of Sciences, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Location: San Antonio, TX
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 12753
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 the 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 03/06/2025. 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 $52,000 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

Function: 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.

Scope: Responsible for the coordination, execution, and administrative management of research projects focused on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2, and the effects 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.

Core Responsibilities

• Research Oversight and Execution:
  • 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 lung fluid and prepare samples for flow cytometry, RNA, and protein assays.
• Laboratory Management:
  • 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.
• Data Analysis and Presentation:
  • 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.
• Training and Supervision:
  • 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.
• Collaboration and Support:
  • Assists laboratory members in the completion of specific experiments, including RSV stock 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 from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of experience in:
  • Working with neonatal mice and pulmonary/respiratory fluids and whole blood collected from human infants.
  • Working with respiratory syncytial virus is required.
  • Grant or research administration.
  • Maintaining laboratory equipment, supplies, and budget, ensuring efficient and effective lab operations.
  • Daily laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with Biosafety, IRB and animal protocol, and external regulatory requirements.
• Four years of experience may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree. (Nine years total experience).
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• 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.

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 may be required.

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.