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.

We are looking for a Full-Time Research Associate to join the department of Epidemiology as part of the UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston, TX. In this position, you will work with the BCM-GREGoR program. The primary goal of the BCM-GREGoR program is to develop and apply novel approaches to identify the molecular etiologies of human disease for which exome sequencing (ES) has been non-diagnostic. The research associate position will generate computational tools and analytical frameworks/modules to analyze the unsolved exomes going through alternative sequencing technologies in a tiered approach including short read trio-whole genome sequencing (WGS) and long read proband WGS for the analysis of structural variants and RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq). 

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 primary goal of the BCM-GREGoR program is to develop and apply novel approaches to identify the molecular etiologies of human disease for which exome sequencing (ES) has been non-diagnostic. The research associate position will generate computational tools and analytical frameworks/modules to analyze the unsolved exomes going through alternative sequencing technologies in a tiered approach including short read trio-whole genome sequencing (WGS) and long read proband WGS for the analysis of structural variants and RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq). Those tools and analytical frameworks/modules will achieve enhanced detection and variant prioritization by incorporation of approaches to identify non-coding and regulatory, structural and mosaic variations, and short tandem repeats from next-generation sequencing data of individuals presented with a wide variety of Mendelian disease traits. And all of the tools/analysis frameworks he/she will improve will be available via the DCC and AnVIL and other software outlets via docker technology, Jupyter notebooks, GitHub and R Shiny Apps. New hire will also help in evaluation and interpreting data analysis results. Incumbent will assist in the preparation and writing of research reports, manuscripts, papers and grant proposals for presentation and publication.

Position Key Accountabilities:

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

Certification/Skills:

Considerable knowledge in basic and sophisticated equipment.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field with three (3) years of related research experience including experience in a lead research role; or
Master’s degree in a related field with one (1) year of related research experience including experience in a lead research role; or
Doctorate degree.

Minimum Experience:

Years of experience varies based on education level. Previous experience with coding in R, Python, Unix is preferred. 

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. This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive agents. 

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

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

#INRA25