Research Assistant II (IMM- The Brown… at UTHealth… · Houston

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant II to join our team of 4–5 researchers investigating the mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle function, disease, and regeneration. Under general direction, the successful candidate will support basic and translational research using rodent models and cell culture systems. Key responsibilities include mouse colony management and genotyping, laboratory organization and supply ordering, and providing technical support for ongoing research projects using techniques such as Western blotting, qPCR, histology, and cell culture. Additional duties include handling biological samples, conducting laboratory experiments, collecting data, and maintaining accurate records while following established protocols. Our research focuses on skeletal muscle biology and disease, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cancer cachexia, aging, and peripheral arterial disease, with an emphasis on mitochondrial function, muscle energetics, vascularization, and tissue regeneration. Previous biomedical research experience is a plus, and candidates with varying levels of experience are encouraged to apply. The ability and willingness to work with and manage rodent colonies is essential. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, attentive to detail, eager to learn new techniques, and enthusiastic about contributing to a collaborative biomedical research environment.

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 general direction, the successful candidate will support basic and translational research using rodent models and cell culture systems. Key responsibilities include mouse colony management and genotyping, laboratory organization and supply ordering, and providing technical support for ongoing research projects using techniques such as Western blotting, qPCR, histology, and cell culture. Additional duties include handling biological samples, conducting laboratory experiments, collecting data, and maintaining accurate records while following established protocols.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Under general direction, performs laboratory experiments and activities to support research objectives.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation including notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project. May prepare graphic representations of data results.
• Maintains clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Under general direction, monitors laboratory and/or other supplies to ensure sufficient inventory to support research projects in a timely manner.
• Stays abreast of new and updated procedures and protocols for research laboratory. Must maintain compliance with required training. May participates in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• Specialized knowledge of research fields

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree required May substitute required education with equivalent years of experience beyond the minimum experience requirement. Minimum Experience: 2 years of specialized experience in research or lab environment required May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement. Physical Requirements: Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects. Security Sensitive: This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4. Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.