Social Science Research Assistant Jobs in Helotes, TX

Description

Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, TX, is searching for an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and skilled full-time Research Assistant to join a team focused on infectious disease research and high-throughput technologies. The successful candidate will support laboratory activities in both conventional and biocontainment (BSL-2/3/4) settings, contributing to a cutting-edge research program that includes:

• Studies in model development and therapeutics for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
• 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:

• Perform scientific research tasks including nucleic acid extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), next-generation sequencing (NGS).
• Perform cell-based assays including cell culture and plaque assay.
• Follow laboratory protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and monitor own work to ensure quality.
• Observe all institutional safety protocols.
• Set up, operate, and maintain equipment as required by research tasks.
• Evaluate, select, and apply standard scientific techniques.
• Generate, record and compile research data.
• Demonstrate and maintain competence in laboratory and with data analysis.
• Maintain a close working relationship involving clear and professional communication with team and organizational unit leaders.
• Perform tasks related to general laboratory maintenance such as inventory and stocking of laboratory supplies, preparing reagents and cleaning/autoclaving utensils.
• Contribute to team-wide laboratory activities, supporting cross-functional goals.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Bachelor's degree with hands-on experience in molecular biology or infectious disease research.
• Experience with BSL-2+ biosafety protocols preferred.
• An interest in career growth to BSL-3 and BSL-4 high-containment studies is a plus.
• Experience performing and assisting team members in nucleic acid extractions, quantitative RT-PCR and Next-Gen Sequencing.
• 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.
• Strong organizational, recordkeeping, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow SOPs rigorously and flag deviations.
• Research or clinical laboratory experience preferred

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 with an emphasis on open communication, job empowerment and trust
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for your family (and even your pets!)
• An incomparable employer funded retirement plan with 6% retirement funding starting day 1 (and increases upon years of service)!
• Generous paid time off, with 14 paid holidays including Winter Recess (paid week off the last week of December)
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives & paid prescription drug resources to promote health management!
• On-site gym & wellness programs!
• Flexible work arrangements for work-life balance!
• We offer a relaxed dress code so you can feel comfortable and be yourself at work.
• Dynamic learning environment with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, continuing education (tuition reimbursement) and leadership programs to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

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.