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 hiring immediately for a Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist to join the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at UTHealth in Houston, TX 77030. In this position, you will work in the UTHealth Cancer Genomics Core under the direction of Dr. Zhongming Zhao and other senior core personnel. The ideal candidate will have excellent knowledge and skills in molecular biology, genomics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). She/he will participate in development of protocols for library preparation and sequencing, and independently perform an entire process of NGS and related omics work. She/he will also support core director and manager in preparation of grant applications, account managing, instrument maintenance, and research collaborations.

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:

Design and conduct research in the genome sequencing and genomics-based studies. The primary responsibilities include development of protocols for the library preparation and sequencing and independently perform an entire process of NGS and related omics work. Pick up biospecimens, if necessary. Maintain instruments and lab supplies Communicate with research group and vendors to solve technical problems. Organize training and educational events. Supervise laboratory technician(s) and other core personnel. Support supervisor in preparation of grant applications, account managing, and collaborations when needed.

Coordinates, supervises, and directs major biomedical research projects. Provides advanced scientific and technical expertise to contribute to the formulation, implementation, and analysis of techniques, procedures, and results of research projects. 

Position Key Accountabilities:

Follow the established protocols to perform NGS and related genomics services.  Maintains accurate and timely records including notebooks, records, databases. Manage research protocols and research data. Pick up the biospecimen. Designs, executes, and interprets the results of complex biomedical and scientific experiments using advanced equipment, complex technique methods, and procedures. Performs research to provide clues for health care professionals to utilize in preventative medicine and in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the future.   Formulates and implements new research techniques to enable projects to be carried out efficiently and ensures successful completion of assigned goals. Stays abreast of new biomedical progress and technological advances in order to upgrade research skills and produce better and faster results. Researches literature for new biomedical progress and technological advances to upgrade research skills. Collaborates and submits research findings for publication to advance the scientific knowledge of others. Results and findings are submitted through written research papers, public presentation at local or national meetings, or personal exchanges with faculty member and other scientists. Assists the principal investigator in obtaining grant funds and other types of financial support.

Certification/Skills:

Excellent knowledge and skills in molecular biology experiments, highly preferred. Problem-solving, quick learner, and able to work independently in the wet lab. Knowledge of NGS platforms, highly preferred. Strong attention to detail, accuracy, scientific professionalism, and deadlines. 

Minimum Education:

Doctorate Degree.

Minimum Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in related research environment and have verifiable publications within the field of the research project. Experience in molecular biology experiments, highly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force 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.