Research Assistant – Viral Pathogenesis and Translational Modeling

Description:

The Role:

The Baxter Lab at Texas Biomedical Research Institute is looking for an enthusiastic, team-oriented Research Assistant who will provide technical and lab support for research studies examining how viruses cause disease, developing and refining animal models, and examining medical countermeasures against emerging and re-emerging pathogens. The successful candidate will support multiple projects conducted at BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 containment and perform a wide range of techniques from molecular biology to animal studies, primarily involving mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Perform scientific research tasks involving infectious agents at BSL-2/BSL-3 containment, including tissue culture, virus propagation and tittering (e.g., plaque assays), and sample collection and analysis.
• Perform all aspects of rodent experiments at ABSL-2/ABSL-3/ABSL-4, including infections, drug administration, sample collection, clinical/behavioral assessment, and necropsies.
• Manage mouse breeding colonies, including setting up breeders, tracking litters, performing weanings, and genotyping.
• Perform DNA, RNA, and/or protein extraction on samples, and cellular and molecular techniques including PCR, ELISA, western blot, transfections, cloning, sequencing, and flow cytometry.
• Ensure a safe working environment under BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 containment.
• Generate, record, compile, and analyze research data, take meticulous notes on research experiments, and prepare detailed reports on research results.
• Assist with the standardization and troubleshooting of experimental protocols.
• Perform tasks related to general laboratory maintenance such as inventory and stocking of laboratory supplies, preparing reagents and cleaning/autoclaving utensils.
• Set up, operate, perform quality control on, and troubleshoot problems with equipment and reagents.
• Contribute to team-wide laboratory activities, supporting cross-functional goals.
• Attend and participate in weekly Baxter lab meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
• Perform occasional after-hours or weekend work.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences or related field.
• Must have strong organization skills, be detail-oriented, and be able to follow detailed protocols/SOPs.
• Must be willing to work collaboratively with other lab members but also independently with minimal supervision when required.
• Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Must be able to obtain security risk assessment (SRA) approval from the Federal Select Agent Program.
• Previous experience working with animals in a research setting, particularly mice, is preferred.
• Previous experience working with infectious agents and in a BSL-3/ABSL-3 or BSL-4/ABSL-4 setting is preferred.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter summarizing their research interests and past research/lab animal experience along with their CV and 3 professional contact references. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Tori Baxter (vbaxter@txbiomed.org).

Who We Are:

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease! Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.

Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine:

• The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research
• A federally designated National Primate Research Center
• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics, vaccines and therapies
• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval

What We Can Offer You:

• Recognized as one of the San Antonio Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2025.
• Awarded the 2024 Healthy Workplace Platinum Recognition by the San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH).
• Employee-centered culture with an emphasis on open communication, job empowerment and trust
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for your family (and even your pets!)
• An incomparable employer funded retirement plan with 6% retirement funding starting day 1 (and increases upon years of service)!
• Generous paid time off, with 14 paid holidays including Winter Recess (paid week off the last week of December)
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives & paid prescription drug resources to promote health management!
• On-site gym & wellness programs!
• Flexible work arrangements for work-life balance!
• We offer a relaxed dress code so you can feel comfortable and be yourself at work.
• Dynamic learning environment with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, continuing education (tuition reimbursement) and leadership programs to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

Potential Hazards:

• Working with viruses, bacteria, and helminths at BSL-2/ABSL-2, BSL-3/ABSL-3, and BSL-4/ABSL-4 containment.
• Working with recombinant DNA/RNA at BSL-2/ABSL-2, BSL-3/ABSL-3, and BSL-4/ABSL-4 containment.
• Working with animals, primarily rodents, at BSL-2/ABSL-2, BSL-3/ABSL-3, and BSL-4/ABSL-4 containment.

Requirements:

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.

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