Research Associate

UT Health San Antonio•San Antonio, TX

12d

About The Position

Join a federally funded clinical and translational research laboratory conducting active human subjects research across programs involving immune resilience, biological aging, military performance, infection, asthma, exercise physiology, heat stress, and trauma. The laboratory produces data supporting ongoing scientific investigation and published research in multispecialty journals. The Research Associate contributes directly to these programs, exercising substantial independent judgment within established protocols. The position may be filled at multiple education and training levels, including candidates with a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related scientific field and research experience, a master’s degree, or a doctoral degree. The appointment will be calibrated to the candidate’s background and the laboratory’s scientific and operational needs. Reporting to the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel, the Research Associate is responsible for the operational conduct of specific research activities. The role includes participant recruitment and enrollment; obtaining informed consent under IRB-approved procedures; conducting study visits; performing physiological monitoring and environmental exposure assessments; collecting and processing biospecimens; maintaining accurate study records; contributing to protocol refinement and procedural documentation; and supporting less-senior laboratory staff as needed. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator, co-investigators, postdoctoral fellows, research coordinators, and clinical collaborators across UT Health San Antonio and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. The role offers engagement with clinical research methodology, biomarker science, physiological monitoring, and the operational practices of federally funded clinical research.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a specialized field of study is required.
Four years of experience is required.
Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to monitor important and complex projects concurrently.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Lotus Notes or other email software.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including preparing memorandums, letters, and other official correspondence.

Responsibilities

Plan, design, and implement research experiments according to established protocols to support project goals and produce high-quality scientific results.
Conduct experiments and studies, assess outcomes, and adapt continued studies based on findings.
Recruit and enroll participants and obtain informed consent in accordance with IRB-approved procedures.
Execute study visits across human subjects protocols.
Perform physiological monitoring and environmental exposure assessments.
Collect and process biospecimens and maintain accurate study records.
Contribute to protocol refinement and procedural documentation.
Present data in organized, readable formats, including written reports and graphical summaries.
Account for relevant supplies and order them as needed.
Conduct library and topical research pertinent to projects.
Write and prepare final papers supporting findings and submit evidence for publication.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, rules, and regulations and applicable federal, state, and local safety and ethics standards.
Support less-senior laboratory staff as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance, including free employee UT SELECT Medical coverage and options to add family members.
Group term life insurance and basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance at no cost, with options to purchase additional coverage.
Three dental insurance plan options.
Two vision plan options.
Disability insurance enrollment option.
Flexible spending accounts for qualifying dependent care and health care expenses.
Retirement plan eligibility through TRS or ORP, plus voluntary retirement programs.
Paid time off of 128 to 208 hours annually based on years of service.
Extended Illness Bank accrual of 8 hours per month.
Paid family leave of up to 240 hours after six months of consecutive employment.
Twelve paid holidays annually.
Discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.