Research Assistant II - Neurosurgery

UTHealth Houston•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Research Assistant II supports Dr. Jung Hwan Kim’s laboratory, which develops quantitative neuroimaging methods using structural and functional MRI. Current research includes cerebrovascular and hemodynamic studies in healthy adults and imaging biomarkers after mild traumatic brain injury. Collaborative projects include DECT measurement of brain water content after subarachnoid hemorrhage and multimodal MRI studies of occupational exposure in firefighters. The laboratory is small and collaborative, working with physicians, neurosurgeons, and public health researchers. The position assists with human MRI experiments and analyzes brain imaging data using MATLAB and neuroimaging tools. It also supports participant scheduling, data quality control, record keeping, analyses, and manuscripts. Under general direction, the Research Assistant II conducts basic or translational research and performs laboratory experiments and activities, data collection, and other research tasks. The role maintains project documentation and laboratory equipment and supplies, follows research procedures and training requirements, and may coordinate the work of technicians, support staff, and other assistants. Employees must permanently reside and work in Texas. This is a security-sensitive position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent years of experience beyond the minimum experience requirement may substitute.
Two years of specialized experience in a research or laboratory environment required; equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement may substitute.
Specialized knowledge of research fields.
Must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.
Must be able to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure if the position requires access to it.

Nice To Haves

Experience with neuroimaging analysis tools such as FSL, FreeSurfer, AFNI, or SPM.
Coding experience in both MATLAB and Python.
Familiarity with Linux command-line environments.
Prior research experience in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
Experience with human subjects research, including participant recruitment, consent, or scheduling.
Strong organization, attention to detail, and data management skills.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Assist with human MRI experiments.
Analyze brain imaging data using MATLAB and neuroimaging tools.
Schedule research participants.
Perform data quality control and maintain research records.
Support research analyses and manuscripts.
Perform laboratory experiments and activities to support research objectives.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including notebooks, records, and databases; prepare graphic representations of data as needed.
Maintain clean laboratory equipment and work areas.
Monitor laboratory and other supplies to ensure adequate inventory.
Stay current with research procedures and protocols and maintain required training compliance.
Coordinate the work of laboratory technicians, support staff, and other assistants as needed.
Answer questions or resolve problems related to routine or more complex duties.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees.
Paid holidays, a preventative leave day, vacation time, and sick time, amounting to around 37–38 days per year.
Increasing vacation accrual with tenure.
Longevity pay after two years of service.
Retirement/pension plan.
Free financial and legal counseling.
Free mental health counseling services.
Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs.
Employee discounts, including entertainment, car rentals, and cell phones.
Child and elder care resources.