Research Assistant I - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' BD2

About the role

UTHealth Houston's Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is hiring a Research Assistant I for BD2: Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder project! BD2 is designed to fill gaps in understanding of bipolar type I disorder, and involves collecting information that may help change or improve the way bipolar disorder is treated in the future. At least 1 year of experience is preferred. Experience may include conducting research, including familiarity with IRB/IEC requirements, GCP documentation practices, and basic wet lab skills. Candidates must be able to perform or be willing to learn phlebotomy (drawing blood). 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic/translational research which may include animal work and other activities according to research protocol.
• Handle biological samples, perform laboratory experiments and activities, and collect data.
• 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.
• Coordinate the work of technicians to ensure efficient, timely and high-quality results (as needed).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required (may substitute equivalent years of experience).
• At least 1 year of experience preferred (conducting research, familiarity with IRB/IEC requirements, GCP documentation practices, basic wet lab skills).
• Ability to perform or willingness to learn phlebotomy (drawing blood).
• Physical requirement: exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, or negligible amount constantly to move objects.
• Must be a security‑sensitive position holder; must maintain security or integrity of critical infrastructure (per Texas Education Code 51.215 and Texas Government Code 411.094).
• Must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.

Qualifications

General knowledge of research fields.

Skills

• Conducting research and familiarity with IRB/IEC requirements.
• GCP documentation practices.
• Basic wet lab skills.
• Phlebotomy (drawing blood) – ability to perform or willingness to learn.
• Handling biological samples.
• Laboratory experiments and activities.
• Data collection and organization.
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and work area.
• Ordering supplies.
• Staying current with procedures and protocols.
• Continuing education participation.
• Coordinating technician work.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical premiums for full‑time employees.
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, vacation and sick time) – approximately 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.