The lab focuses on strategies to (i) sensitize tumors to radiation therapy using nanoparticles, chemotherapy, botanicals, immunotherapy, and novel radiation techniques and (ii) protect normal tissues from radiation injury using novel agents. A major thrust of the laboratory has been the design, fabrication, characterization, validation, and mechanistic inquiries of nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. These include carbon-based, organic, inorganic, hybrid, and multilayered nanostructures. 

This role plans, conducts, and directs a wide variety of experiments in our Neurosurgery Department. The position assists with the day-to-day activities for research project(s) and may impact the success of the research project(s). The Research Assistant will help in performing basic science research in mouse tumor models to study the role of targeted therapeutics including biologics, nanoparticles, and chemotherapeutics.

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% 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! 

Position Summary:

Responsibilities include initiation of tumors, treatment with drugs administered intravenously, monitoring progress of tumors, charting data, summarizing results, harvesting tumors and normal organs for histological analysis and single cell isolation for flow cytometry, and maintaining the lab. The individual will be working in a lab focused on studying cancer therapeutics. The individual will be expected to work with other researchers in the lab to complete experiments. Animal handling and colony management, ordering supplies, updating animal protocols, and lab maintenance experience is required. Other skills can be acquired as needed.

Under close direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects.

Position Key Accountabilities:

Under close supervision, conducts research activities according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following: patient recruiting and screening, traditional laboratory experiments and activities, informatics, field interviewer recruiting, screening and training and/or animal laboratories.  May maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment. Collects, evaluates, and interprets research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates notebooks, records, and databases as needed. Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department. Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff. As needed, may coordinate the work of laboratory technicians and assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results. Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes. Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

General knowledge of research fields.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in lieu of education.

Minimum Experience:

No years of experience.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds constantly and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.  
This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive agents.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.