Research Associate/Senior Research Associate - Neurosurgery - In Vivo Lab

A full time Research Associate/Senior Associate position is available in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of intracranial aneurysms. Intracranial aneurysm is a cerebrovascular disorder mainly affecting the arterial integrity in the brain. The rupture of an intracranial aneurysm causes subarachnoid hemorrhage, the most devastating form of stroke, and is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in patients.
Recently, we discovered novel genes whose mutations are implicated in intracranial aneurysm (both familial and sporadic cases) and have confirmed their contributions to pathogenesis using a zebrafish or mouse loss-of-function model. The major research interests in the lab are: (1) to study how endothelial cell dysfunction contributes to intracranial aneurysm formation, growth and rupture; (2) to elucidate signaling mechanisms using both experimental and genetic intracranial aneurysm models; (3) to translate these discoveries into potential new therapies. Projects rely upon in vitro methodologies, cell culture studies, high-throughput genomics, and in vivo functional analyses in genetically engineered mouse models and zebrafish. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain the combined training in both in vivo aneurysm models and in vitro biochemical techniques such as, quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, carotid artery surgery, stereotaxic injection, minipump implantation, behavioral testing, among others. The current projects are continuous research from previous publications in Nature Cell Biology, Developmental Cell, Autophagy, EMBO Journal, PLoS Genetics, etc. Seeking motivated researcher who can conduct the project in an independent manner after necessary training.
Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and is characterized by its low cost of living in comparison to other major metropolitan areas. As the largest medical center in the world, the TMC has a robust scientific community that includes multiple institutions including Baylor College of Medicine, Methodist Research Institute, Texas A&M IBT, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with whom we share a joint Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS).
Position Summary:
Plans, conducts, and directs a wide variety of experiments. Assists with the day-to-day activities for research project(s) and may impact the success of the research project(s).
Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Collects, evaluates, interprets, and documents research data to accomplish the objectives of a wide variety of scientific experiments and research projects.
2. Influences project direction and outcomes by identifying opportunities to enhance, terminate, or re-direct research activities.
3. May recruit study participants or field interviewers.
4. Evaluates and interprets data and provides results to investigators to support publication.
5. Maintains quality control checks and a safe environment in compliance with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulation and codes.
6. Assists in the preparation and writing of research reports, manuscripts, papers and grant proposals for presentation and publication.
7. Provides direction and training to lab personnel to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results in compliance with all protocols, guidelines, regulations, etc.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.
9. 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!

Working experience with animal models are preferred such as mouse or zebrafish. Alternatively, intensive experience in cell culture and biochemistry. Transgenic and knockout mouse or zebrafish work is involved. We mainly work on the brain vascular system in mouse.
Certification/Skills:
Considerable knowledge in basic and sophisticated equipment.
Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree in a related field with three (3) years of related research experience including experience in a lead research role; or
Master's degree in a related field with one (1) year of related research experience including experience in a lead research role; or
Doctorate degree.
Minimum Experience:
Years of experience varies based on education level.
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. 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