Research Assistant I/II - School of Dentistry - Rajderkar Lab (Full-Time)
UTHealth Houston
Houston, TX
Description
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.
Summary: The Rajderkar Lab in the Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences at UTHealth School of Dentistry is seeking applications for the position of a full-time Research Assistant I/II. Rajderkar Lab combines investigative methods in mammalian genetics, genomics and developmental biology along with human disease informed approaches to study gene regulation in dental and craniofacial morphogenesis and regeneration. We use CRISPR/Cas9 editing techniques, single-cell methods including spatial transcriptomics, in vitro differentiation systems and in vivo models (murine/porcine) to uncover molecular mechanisms of genetic disease.
Job Description: We are seeking individuals with exceptional attention to detail to carry out various duties such as performing molecular biology experiments, plasmid vector design and cloning (reporter and knock-in constructs), routine biochemical assays and next-generation sequencing protocols. Our project needs entail both in vitro (e.g., cell culture and directed differentiation of stem cells, transfection/transduction) and in vivo disease models, FACS, gene and protein expression studies, lineage tracing, and imaging & microscopy. Candidates with bench skills and experience with mouse colony management, handling live mice, dissecting and processing tissues for downstream experiments are preferred.
Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Biology or a related discipline is preferred with ideally 1-2 years of laboratory experience. Research assistants are expected to perform experiments, analyze data and present findings in group meetings under supervision and guidance from senior colleagues and the principal investigator.
The Rajderkar Lab is committed to mentoring and supporting career development opportunities for all lab members, these include active participation in collaborative projects and honing scientific writing and presentation skills.
Candidates with a master’s or PhD degree in relevant fields will be considered, and compensation will be commensurate with previous training and experience. Experience with genomics tools, bioinformatics analysis and statistics is desirable. The initial appointment will be for 1 year, subject to probation; and continued appointment will be based on performance and availability of funds.
Qualified candidates should submit the following documents with their application:
1. CV that includes previous work experience not limited to research positions, and detailed laboratory skills with proficiency levels.
2. Cover letter describing relevant work experience and your interest in this position.
3. Statement of Research (optional)
4. Contact information of 3-5 references at the time of application. Letters will be requested for shortlisted candidates.
First-generation trainees and those that have faced significant barriers to education and training are especially welcome to apply.
Job Location: Houston, TX. This job posting is for an in-person laboratory-based appointment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Assistant I/II
1. 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, screening and training and/or animal laboratories.
2. Must 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.
4. Maintains and updates notebooks, records, and databases as needed.
5. Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department.
6. Orders laboratory and/or other supplies and maintains laboratory inventory to support research activities.
7. As needed, may coordinate the work of laboratory technicians and assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high-quality results.
8. Answers questions or resolves problems regarding routine or more complex duties.
9. Maintains professionalism and is a collegial colleague on the team.
10. May participate in continuing education programs, workshops and seminars.
11. Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.
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:
- 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.
- May maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
- Collects, evaluates, and interprets research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates notebooks, records, and databases as needed.
- Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department.
- Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff.
- As needed, may coordinate the work of laboratory technicians and assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results.
- Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes.
- 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 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.