Research Associate III (Center Addiction Science Therapeutics - Galveston)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in basic science or equivalent and 5 years of related experience or Master's degree in basic science or equivalent and 3 years of related experience required.

Preferred Skills:

• Skilled in database management and digital record keeping (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism).
• Strong understanding of research compliance, safety, and biosafety protocols.
• Educational background in pharmacology, neuroscience, or related field.

Job Description:

Conducts a variety of non-routine research assignments and experiments.

Job Duties:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute complex in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments with a high degree of rigor and reproducibility.
  
• Conduct independent literature reviews to inform experimental design and interpretation.
  
• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques including DNA/RNA/protein extraction, Western blotting, cDNA synthesis and quantitative PCR.
  
• Perform behavioral pharmacology experiments (up to seven days/week at times).
  
• Conduct tissue processing (e.g., cryostat sectioning) and staining for immunohistochemistry, RNAScope, and fluorescence microscopy.
  
• Analyze transcriptomic datasets using bioinformatics tools (e.g., Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, Gene Ontology, R or Python-based pipelines).
  
• Compile, analyze, and interpret quantitative data; maintain accurate and organized experimental records.
  
• Summarize findings and contribute to the preparation of scientific presentations, reports, and manuscripts.
  
• Implement and monitor quality control procedures for research protocols and laboratory workflows.
  
• Maintain RIVA (Rodent In Vivo Assessment) core scheduling and personnel training.
  
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments; troubleshoot and perform minor repairs as needed.
  
• Collaborate with research staff and investigators to refine protocols and interpret experimental results.
  
• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, and equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
  
• Provide mentorship and training to junior personnel.
  

Required Skills:

• Experience with or willingness to training in animal handling, care, and surgical procedures.
• Execution of biological assays and molecular techniques.
• Data organization, tabulation, and statistical analysis.

Salary Range:

Commensurate with experience.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.