Pediatric Surgery Lab

Location: Houston, Texas. 

Position Summary:
The Research Assistant II will support ongoing translational research focused on injury biology and patient outcomes. This role involves conducting molecular biology experiments, performing routine biochemical and coagulation assays, and processing human biological samples. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to maintaining rigorous scientific and safety standards in a collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and related assays
• Conduct routine biochemical assays and laboratory analyses with accuracy and reproducibility
• Process, handle, and store human biological samples (e.g., blood, plasma) in compliance with biosafety and regulatory guidelines
• Perform coagulation studies on a routine basis, including assay setup, data collection, and interpretation support
• Maintain detailed laboratory records, databases, and experimental documentation
• Assist with quality control, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Follow all institutional safety protocols, including handling of biohazardous materials
• Collaborate with research staff, investigators, and clinical partners to support study objectives

Work Environment:
This position operates in a laboratory setting with exposure to biological materials. Adherence to safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times.

Compensation & Benefits:
Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications, in accordance with institutional guidelines.

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%25 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! 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field 
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques and biochemical assays
• Experience working with human biological samples preferred
• Familiarity with coagulation assays or hemostasis research is highly desirable
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to follow standardized protocols and troubleshoot experimental procedures

Preferred Skills and Attributes:

• Prior experience in a research laboratory or clinical research setting
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and biosafety practices
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

  Certification/Skills:

• None

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree required. May substitute required education with equivalent years of experience beyond the minimum experience requirement.

Minimum Experience:

One year of related experience in a research or clinical lab environment.

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.