Research Assistant I - Ophthalmology

About the role

Join the UTHealth Department of Ophthalmology in Houston, Texas, as a Research Assistant I and contribute to innovative vision research that helps advance the understanding and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. In this hands-on role, you will support a variety of laboratory and small animal research procedures, working alongside experienced investigators in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in scientific discovery, enthusiasm for wet bench research techniques, and the motivation to develop their skills while contributing to meaningful studies that drive advancements in ophthalmic science. 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.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical premiums for full‑time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, vacation and sick time – around 37‑38 days per year)
• Longevity Pay (monthly payments after two years of service)
• Retirement/pension plan
• Work/life services: free financial and legal counseling, free mental health counseling services, gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs, other employee discounts (entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.), resources for child and elder care

Responsibilities

Position Summary: The Research Assistant I, under general supervision, conducts basic/translational research which may include animal work and other activities according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following: handling biological samples, laboratory experiments and activities, and data collection.

• Perform laboratory experiments and activities to support research objectives
• Collect, organize and prepare research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers
• Update notebooks, records, and databases as needed
• Maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment
• Order laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff
• Stay abreast of new and updated procedures and protocols for the research laboratory; maintain compliance with required training
• Participate in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops as needed
• As needed, coordinate the work of technicians to ensure efficient, timely and high‑quality results
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• General knowledge of research fields
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree required (may substitute required education with equivalent years of experience beyond the minimum experience requirement)
• Minimum Experience: None
• 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. Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification; personnel are routinely reviewed for factors such as criminal history or connections to foreign adversaries that could affect security.
• Residency Requirement: Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas