Research Associate

UT Health San Antonio•San Antonio, TX

14h

About The Position

Under the general supervision of Dr. Mengwei Zang at UT Health San Antonio, the Research Associate conducts research projects on metabolic liver disease and aging, including developing and modifying research protocols and methodologies. The role plans and performs experiments, develops technical methods, maintains transgenic mouse colonies, conducts animal studies, analyzes and presents data, and contributes to progress reports and manuscripts. The position also supports compliance with institutional policies and applicable safety and ethics standards. A bachelor's degree in a specialized field of study and four years of experience are required. A master's degree in a specialized field of study is highly preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a specialized field of study.
Four years of experience.
Ability to organize and coordinate multiple concurrent tasks within schedule constraints and respond to emerging needs in a timely manner.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally, warmly, and sensitively with research participants.
Ability to manage complex projects and maintain attention to detail in data collection and documentation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Willingness to learn study-specific software.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a specialized field of study.

Responsibilities

Plan, design, and implement research experiments according to established protocols to support project goals and ensure high-quality scientific results.
Develop, design, and conduct one or more large research projects according to the project plan.
Develop and implement technical methodologies, including PCR, real-time PCR, cell culture and transfection, and Western blotting.
Maintain transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, establishing disease mouse models, drug administration, and blood collection.
Conduct animal experiments, assess outcomes, and adapt subsequent studies based on findings.
Present data in organized, readable formats, including written reports and graphical summaries, and perform other project-related activities.
Write research progress reports and prepare manuscripts for publication.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, rules, and regulations and applicable federal, state, and local safety and ethics standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Assist with preparation of progress reports, manuscripts, and conference presentation materials, as directed by the PI.
Conduct literature reviews and maintain current knowledge of metabolism, transcriptional regulation, chronic liver disease, and aging.

Benefits

Medical insurance, including UT SELECT Medical insurance offered free for employees.
Group term life insurance and basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance provided at no cost, with options to purchase additional coverage.
Three dental insurance plan options through Delta Dental.
Two vision plan options through Superior Vision Services.
Disability insurance enrollment option.
Flexible spending accounts for qualifying dependent care and out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Retirement plan eligibility through TRS or ORP, with voluntary retirement programs also available.
Paid time off of 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) based on years of service, with possible proration in the first year.
Extended Illness Bank accrual of 8 hours per month.
Paid Family Leave of up to 240 hours (6 weeks), subject to eligibility after six months of consecutive employment.
Twelve set paid holidays each year.
Discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.