Research Assistant at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas

Job Description:

The Innovation Lab at Texas Biomedical Research Institute is looking to fill an entry level Research Assistant position. The position will focus on performing preclinical translational studies in collaboration with industry partners. This is a full-time position and is to increase the Institute's capacity for contract research.

The Role:

Research (80%)

• Execute studies under the supervision of the Study Director/Principal Investigators.
• Performs experiments handling a range of infectious agents (at BSL-3 and BSL-2) and in a variety of different animal models and human tissues.
• Perform in-vitro and ex-vivo cell-based assays, including cell culture, plaque assays, ELISA, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and molecular genetic techniques.
• Perform in vivo rodent research including infection, necropsy, and manipulations (i.e., injections).
• Perform isolation and manipulation of cells from human and non-human primate tissues.

General Labs Maintenance (15%)

• Inventory, re-stock, keeps supplies in order, and order supplies with the approval of Study Director/Principal Investigator.
• Assist in the preparation of materials for testing.
• Prepares media, buffers, and other chemical solutions, operates autoclaves, sterilizers, pipetting machines, and other laboratory equipment during routine laboratory maintenance.

Administrative (5%)

• Assist Study Director/Principal Investigators with the development of institutional regulatory compliance documents.
• Assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree (BS) or higher in a biological/health science or an equivalent.
• One or more years' experience with immunology/virology in a laboratory setting (desired).
• Computer skills using Microsoft Office products (required).
• One or more years working at BSL-3 (desired).
• Experience working in a regulated/document-controlled environment (desired).

Research Skills (Preferred):

• Laboratory experience: Competency and experience in BSL-2 work practices. Hands- on experience with tissue culture and sterile techniques desired.
• Animals: Willingness to learn rodents handling (mice, hamsters), performing in vivo manipulations (i.e. intranasal and subcutaneous treatments), and evaluation of mouse study endpoints, necropsy/harvesting organs techniques.
• Immunology: Experience in basic immunology techniques such as PBMC isolation, maintenance of cells and ELISA.
• Microbiology: Cultivation of viral and bacterial strains under BSL-3 conditions.
• Molecular Biology: Experience in basic molecular techniques such as DNA & RNA extraction from cells, performing polymerase chain reaction; qRT-PCR.
• Software: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, and/or others.

Potential Hazards:

• Working with BSL-3 designated pathogens, and possibly Select Agent pathogens.
• Working with human and animal tissues, including non-human primate tissues.
• Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program is required.
• Safety training, equipment, clothing, and supplies will be provided when required).

Who We Are:

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing global human health through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed aims to unravel the mysteries of infectious diseases through innovative thinking, creative problem solving and cutting-edge technologies.

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive pay

• 7% Employer-Funded retirement contribution starting day one

• Full insurance benefits

• Onsite Gym

• Onsite Medical Clinic

• Employee-centered culture!

• Holidays, PTO and a paid week off in the last week of December

• We are proud of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging!

Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

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