The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Exciting opportunity available at the Institute of Molecular Medicine - Texas Therapeutics Institute! This is a full-time nonexempt position located at 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030.

We prefer candidates with prior experience in relevant biomedical laboratories. Demonstrated commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing critical healthcare challenges will be highly valued in the ideal candidate. This role entails daily laboratory experiments supporting vaccine and antibody development, such as Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Virology, Structural Biology, and Animal Study techniques. The successful candidate will learn by working closely with senior researchers and gaining valuable experience in diverse experimental methodologies.

This role is a key part of our vibrant research team, specializing in vaccine and antibody development with a specific focus on pandemic preparedness. Our projects cover fundamental mechanistic studies and the design of therapeutics targeting significant human diseases, such as viral infections, cancer, and Alzheimer's. The collaborative and impactful environment creates a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to make valuable contributions to crucial areas of biomedical research.

Molecular Biology, such as PCR and gene cloning; Biochemistry, such as protein purification and affinity measurement; Cell Biology, such as cell fusion assays; Virology, such as viral neutralization assays (non-pathogenic); Structural Biology, such as X-ray crystallography and Electron Microscopy analysis; and Animal Study, such as mouse immunization. The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research in vaccine and antibody therapeutic development against a broad spectrum of medical challenges.

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:

1. 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. 
2. May maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
3. Collects, evaluates, and interprets research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates notebooks, records, and databases as needed.
4. Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department.
5. Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff.
6. As needed, may coordinate the work of laboratory technicians and assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results.
7. Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes.
8. 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.