Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant– Molecular Biology

The Kulkarni Lab at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute located in San Antonio, TX, is searching for an enthusiastic, organized and capable full-time Research Assistant. The growing Texas Biomed campus provides a vibrant and diverse scientific community as well as multiple opportunities for training and career advancement. The candidate will employ cutting edge techniques to understand the role non-coding RNAs and therapeutic targeting of RNA in infectious diseases, such as HIV and COVID-19. These studies are likely to discover novel gene regulatory pathways and specific molecular candidates for targeted therapy. This is a full-time wet-lab position.

The Role:

Research (70%)

• Maintenance (passaging, freezing, plating) of a variety of human cell lines and primary cells.
• Cloning, plasmid preparation, determine quantity and quality if the plasmid DNA. 
• RNA extraction, reverse transcription and quantitative PCR. 
• Plan and performs in-vitro and ex-vivo cell-based assays, including production of lentiviral particles, transduction,      nucleofection, immunoprecipitation and immunoblots.
• Occasional after hours or weekend cell culture maintenance will be necessary.

General Labs Maintenance (30%)

• Ordering and inventory of laboratory supplies and reagent/sample logs.
• Ensure quality control of equipment, reagents, and cellular components.
• Laboratory maintenance as per the biosafety guidelines. 

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE: 

• BS with 2 years of experience or Master’s degree (MS) with 0-2years experience in a Molecular biology, virology, genetics or related (required).
• 1 – 2 years’ experience in standard techniques (mammalian cell culture, cloning, DNA/ RNA extraction, plasmid purification & analysis, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE; Western blot, Quantitative PCR).
• Computer skills using Microsoft Office products (required). 

RESEARCH SKILLS (Preferred):

• Laboratory experience: Competency and experience in BSL-2 work practices.
• Cell culture: Experience in basic cell culture techniques such as maintaining of cell lines in culture, freezing, cell counting, culture media preparation.
• Microbiology: Cultivation of viral and bacterial strains under BSL-2 conditions.
• Software: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, and/or others. 
• Good organizational skills, meticulous note taking excellent documentation skills and attention to details.
• Team work Ability to participate in diverse projects. Ability to perform as a team member; must have good interpersonal skills

Potential Hazards: 

The incumbent will work with tissue, blood, cultures or animals containing, or potentially containing, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cell culture lines infected with human or animal pathogens (other than HIV or Herpes B virus). They will work in a BSL2 laboratory with recombinant DNA/RNA and infectious agents. Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program is required. Safety training, equipment, clothing and supplies will be provided.

Who We Are: 

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing global human health through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed aims to unravel the mysteries of infectious diseases through innovative thinking, creative problem solving and cutting-edge technologies. The Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) provides broad services in primate research. We are one of seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) with specialized technologies, capabilities and primate resources, many of which are unique to the SNPRC.

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive pay
• 7% Employer-Funded retirement contribution starting day one
• Full insurance benefits
• Holidays, PTO and a paid week off in the last week of December
• Onsite Gym & Clinic!
• We are proud of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging!

Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.