Senior Research Associate - Military veterans preferred

Description:

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Senior Research Associate to join a dynamic team focused on molecular diagnostics, infectious disease research, and high-throughput technologies. The successful candidate will support laboratory activities in both conventional and biocontainment (BSL-2/3) settings, contributing to cutting-edge research programs that include:

• Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as malaria and H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu)
• Studies in fundamental human immunology, including B cell and T cell responses
• Advanced antibody discovery, repertoire profiling, and vaccine evaluation
• Development and validation of high-throughput molecular and serological assays
• These efforts support Texas Biomed's mission to eliminate the threat of infectious diseases through innovative science and collaborative research.

The Role:

• Participate in assay development and validation, including inclusion/exclusion criteria, interference studies, and analytical sensitivity.
• Independently set up and operate scientific equipment for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and B and T lymphocyte cell-based studies.
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and perform nucleic acid extraction, qRT-PCR, and NGS workflows for high-throughput studies.
• Maintain accurate records, including sample tracking, reagent usage, protocol deviations, and QC documentation.
• Work safely under BSL-2 conditions and assist with BSL-3 studies involving infectious agents when required.
• Perform complex scientific research tasks under GLP or non-GLP conditions.
• In collaboration with team members, generate summaries, interim reports, and technical documentation for internal and sponsor review.
• Contribute to team-wide laboratory activities, supporting cross-functional goals.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Master's degree in a relevant life sciences discipline with =2 years of applicable experience, or Bachelor's degree with =4 years of hands-on experience in molecular biology or infectious disease research.
• Experience with BSL-2+ biosafety protocols required; BSL-3 experience preferred.
• Proficiency in immunology techniques, including ELISpot, ELISA, multicolor flow cytometry, and tissue culture.
• Experience performing and assisting team members in molecular biology experiments, including isolation and purification of DNA/RNA, PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR.
• Experience performing and assisting in immunology experiments, including tissue culture, blood processing, and isolation of lymphocytes.
• Strong working knowledge of qPCR/qRT-PCR and NGS workflows.
• Demonstrated experience with ONT MinION sequencing and familiarity with Illumina workflows is a plus.
• Experience in in-vitro and ex-vivo cell-based assays (e.g., plaque assays) is desirable.
• Familiarity with a variety of animal models for infectious disease research.
• Comfort with standard data analysis, including linear regression, replicate consistency, and dynamic range assessments.
• Strong organizational, recordkeeping, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow SOPs rigorously and flag deviations.
• Experience summarizing assay performance or writing interim reports.

How to Apply?

To be considered for the position you must upload two documents when applying to this job ad, in addition to completing the application:

• Résumé or CV
• A Cover Letter addressed to Gregory Ippolito

Who We Are:

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease!

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.

Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine:

• The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research
• A federally-designated National Primate Research Center
• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics, vaccines and therapies
• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval

What We Can Offer You:

• Recognized as one of the San Antonio Business Journal's Best Places to Work in 2025.
• Awarded the 2024 Healthy Workplace Platinum Recognition by the San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH).
• Employee-centered culture focused on open communication, job empowerment, and trust.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for you and your family (including your pets!).
• Competitive employer-funded retirement plan with 7% contributions starting on day one, increasing with years of service.
• Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays and a paid Winter Recess (last week of December until New Year's).
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives, and paid prescription drug resources to support your health.
• On-site gym and wellness programs to help you stay active.
• Flexible work arrangements designed to support work-life balance.
• We offer a relaxed dress code so you can feel comfortable and be yourself at work.
• Dynamic learning environment with professional development, mentorship, tuition reimbursement, and leadership programs to help you grow.

We take pride in fostering a culture of respect, opportunity, and unity. Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

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