Research Assistant

Job Description

Under general supervision, provides technical assistance in performing assigned and delegated experiments in support of research projects. Responsibilities include assisting and conducting a variety of scientific experiments for research projects of limited complexity, collecting, evaluating and interpreting data for scientific laboratory research. The scientific research will involve Drosophila and mouse models and in vitro cell culture systems. Hands on training and guidance will be provided by the supervisor or senior lab members.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance in performing assigned and delegated tasks in support of scientific research projects in a research lab setting under the supervision of the investigator and senior lab colleagues.
• Assists investigator or trainees with research studies, experiments and assays including collecting, evaluating, and interpreting data, preparation of solutions, media and general laboratory maintenance.
• Research responsibilities will include Drosophila and mouse handling and maintenance including maintenance of Drosophila stocks and mouse colonies and genotyping.
• Molecular Biological Procedures including PCR, Western Blots, immunohistochemistry, SDS-PAGE, quantifying protein concentrations, microscopy, quantification of various experimental parameters using standard software, data entry. Training will be provided.
• General Laboratory Maintenance including cleaning and autoclaving of glassware, media and pipette tips, ordering lab supplies and reagents, as needed.
  
  

Qualifications

• Attention to detail by achieving thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved.
• Maintaining updated lab notebook, protocols and ensuring proper data management and sharing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner.
• Ability to monitor important and complex projects concurrently within a research environment or laboratory schedule.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, reading relevant scientific literature, presenting data obtained from experiments in weekly/biweekly lab meeting is required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Lotus Notes/other e-mail software.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor's in a basic science is required.
  
  

Experience

• None.
• Please provide 2-3 reference letters for consideration. *
  
  

Required Skills

None

About Us

Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.

Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists.

Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.

Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits. Life Employees receive $40,000 of group term life insurance and $40,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.

Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.

Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year plus three floating holidays, which can be used anytime during the fiscal year.
  
  

FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.

EEO Statement

UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.