Program in Children's Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Address: 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.254, Houston, TX 77030

General knowledge and some detailed concepts of the assigned research field. Preferred to have research experience with the following: laboratory rodents and animal husbandry, cell culture, tissue-processing and basic histology, immunohistochemistry, PCR/RT-qPCR, Western blot, and/or physiologic studies such as organ bath contractility and/or Ussing chamber studies.

The Speer lab is a dynamic and rapidly growing research group focused on developing novel regenerative medicine strategies for intestinal failure, including tissue-engineered intestine and cell-based therapies. We leverage human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to generate human intestinal organoids (HIOs) for both in vitro and in vivo models, investigating critical aspects of enteric nervous system development and developing cell-based therapies for enteric neuropathies. Our lab is currently supported by both a K08 and an R01 grant, fueling exciting new projects and expanding our team. As part of the vibrant Program in Children's Regenerative Medicine, you'll join a stimulating research community with state-of-the-art basic laboratory, tissue-engineering, and cGMP facilities. The Program boasts 9 faculty and 14 research team members in non-clinical laboratory research, with faculty having been awarded over $15 million as Principal Investigators.

Position Summary: Join our expanding and dynamic team! We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant II/III with a background and/or strong interest in Tissue-Engineering, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, Gastrointestinal Research, and/or Developmental Biology. Our lab is growing rapidly, fueled by recent R01 grant funding, and offers an exciting environment to contribute to cutting-edge research. Under the general direction of senior research staff, you will play a crucial role in supporting our innovative research projects, exercising judgment within defined procedures and practices.

Position Summary:

Under general direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices.

Position Key Accountabilities:

Conducts research activities, under general direction, according to research. Research activities may include some or all of the following: traditional laboratory experiments and activities, informatics, and/or animal laboratories.

Maintains adequate level of lab supplies to assure timely achievement of lab activities.

Maintains accurate and timely records to include notebooks, records, databases, etc. as needed by the research project.

Monitors laboratory and/or other supplies to ensure sufficient inventory to support research projects. Ensures quality of reagents or other supplies.

Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department

As needed, coordinates the work of laboratory technicians, support staff and other assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results. Answers questions or resolves problems regarding routine or more complex duties.

Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulation and codes.

May participate in continuing education programs, workshops and seminars.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Prefer: BA or BS degree.

Some background in molecular biology (PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blot, RNAseq, scRNAseq, IHC) with experience and/or interest in translational research, regenerative medicine, enteric nervous system, neurogastroenterology, intestinal biology, gastroenterology, developmental biology, and/or tissue-engineering.

Some background, experience or interest in aseptic cell culture techniques (experience with human pluripotent stem cells, human intestinal organoids, and enteric neural crest cells is a plus).

Some background, experience, or interest in animal husbandry, e.g. rodents.

Motivated and able to conduct independent research with appropriate supervision.

Ability to work effectively in teams with strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication.

Impeccable record-keeping skills and outstanding organization are required.

Certification/Skills:

General knowledge and some detailed concepts of research field assigned.

Minimum Education:

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

Minimum Experience:

One year of related experience in a research or clinical lab environment.
May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.

Physical Requirements:

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

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

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