Design Research Assistant Jobs in Helotes, TX (NOW HIRING)

This is an entry-level research position that involves animal husbandry, data collection, and database management. The transgenic models of aging program generates and studies transgenic mice and rats that over express or under express specific genes that show promise for extending a healthy lifespan. These models allow investigators to identify and understand the function of genes that retard aging and extend longevity. Our facility (animal core) provides a venue that allows investigators to test the genes that alter aging.
Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. The position has a rotating schedule with weekend shifts and some Holidays required. Located in the Medical Center.
This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.
Responsibilities

• Provides routine technical assistance in performing assigned and delegated tasks in support of research projects.
• Performs assigned clerical and technical duties in a research or clinical lab setting.
• Assists investigator or higher level technician with research studies, experiments and assays including collection of data, preparation of solutions and set-up and maintenance of equipment.
• Performs routine tests with direction from supervisor, manager or higher level technician.
• Assists in conducting a variety of scientific experiments and research projects of limited complexity, collecting, evaluating, and interpreting data.
• Carries out general laboratory maintenance.
• Inspection of all animal cages for documentation of deaths, births, illnesses, cage floods: which involves the removal of each individual cage from its slot (repetitive motion, reach, and bending), cage level measurement of *diet or water intake (food consumption-includes *loss measurement via dirty case bottom sifting), individual mouse or rat body weight, individual identification via ear punching, microchip implantation or tail tattoo, conduct individual animal scans via qMRI (frequent).
• Scan (infrequent), blood sampling, feeding of specialized diets as well as caloric feed amounts (involves weighing and distributing food). Prepare specimens for pathology processing and prepare and accomplish tail samples of rodents for genotyping. Perform various benign behavioral tests including but not limited to activity monitoring, rotarod, and basic neurological function basis.
• Prepare, accomplish, and record quantitative and qualitative observations using data management software (automated data collection laptop system as well as traditional notations), on aging processes of specific pathogen-free transgenic and non-transgenic rat and mice.
• Design, modify and use spreadsheets to manage and calculate data.
• Coordinate and track breeding studies to develop transgenic and recombinant inbred lines. Involves pairing of rodents for breeding and weaning pups from said pairings.
• Assist in the preparation of hormone-containing or chemical drinking water and small animal surgery.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a basic science is required.

Experience:

• None required.
• Experience working with small rodents preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook required.

About Us
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence - advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Company Culture.
Benefits Overview
UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.
Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.
Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.
Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.
Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.
FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.
Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.
EEO Statement
UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.