We are hiring a Research Associate (Full-time) to join the UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics in Houston, Texas. In this role, you will conduct research in the field of microbiology and bacterial pathogenesis. More specifically, the individual will design and perform experiments to investigate the effects of dietary compounds on the physiology, metabolism, and virulence of Fusobacterium nucleatum. You will use molecular genetics, microbiological, biochemical, and microscopy approaches to characterize bacterial gene regulation, biofilm formation, and host-associated virulence mechanisms. The ideal candidate for this role should have expertise in microbiology and molecular genetics, including experience in bacterial genetics, molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, and general microbiology laboratory techniques. 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:

The Research Associates plans, conducts, and directs a wide variety of research processes. Assists with the day-to-day activities for research project(s) and may impact the success of the research project(s).

Position Key Accountabilities:

Collects, evaluates, interprets, and documents research data to accomplish the objectives of various scientific experiments and research projects. Supports project direction and outcomes by identifying opportunities to enhance, terminate, or re-direct research activities. Maintains quality control checks and a safe environment in compliance with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulation and codes. Evaluates and interprets data and provides results to investigators to support publication. Provides direction and training to lab staff to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results in compliance with all protocols, guidelines, regulations, etc. Assist in the preparation and writing of research reports, manuscripts, papers, and grant proposals for presentation and publication. Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

Experience in microbiology and molecular genetics, preferred.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a related field required Master's Degree preferred

Minimum Experience:

3 years of related research experience required 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 up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

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.