Job Description
Job Description A research assistant position is available in the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Texas Health San Antonio (UTHSA) ( We are looking for an exceptional candidate with interest in translational clinical research to join a collaborative team of faculty researchers, clinicians and research staff on studies to understand the role of chronic stress on Alzheimer's disease risk and progression, and how to effectively measure it, while also participating in other ongoing studies focused on dementia.
The position provides opportunities to work with teams conducting research on dementia as part of the NIA-funded South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. The the successful candidate will work closely with the investigators and research and clinical team members to participate in a variety of activities part of ongoing and newly initiated studies that will require chart review, recruitment, visit scheduling, consenting, administering cognitive and psychological assessments and surveys, data gathering and entry, protocol development, and quality control review in a clinical research setting. The successful applicant will also be asked to participate in biosample collection and processing and assay completion in a laboratory setting, and will participate in ordering, organization, and maintenance of a laboratory facilities.
The candidate will perform diverse research and administrative duties requiring sound judgment under general supervision. The candidate must be self-motivated and comfortable, accepting feedback and guidance from mentors and colleagues. The idea candidate will have the ability to work well within a team and have excellent communication skills are a must. Opportunities to develop managerial skills of students and junior colleagues will be available.
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 setting.
- Assists investigator in collection of data, biosamples, preparation of solutions and set-up and maintenance of databases.
- Performs routine research tests after training and with direction from supervisor, manager or higher-level technician.
- Assists in conducting a variety of research projects of limited complexity, collecting, evaluating, and interpreting data.
- Engages and collaborates with other sites involved in the study and is responsive to their questions.
- Assists investigator or technicians with research studies, experiments and assays including collection of data, preparation of solutions and set-up and maintenance of equipment.
- Follow industry standards and safety regulations after appropriate training.
- Assists with laboratory ordering, including gathering informational quotes and preparing ordering lists.
- Carries out general laboratory maintenance. When needed, identifies and schedules service providers for necessary maintenance and repairs.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications - Attention to detail by achieving thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner.
- Ability to monitor important and complex projects concurrently within a research environment or laboratory schedule.
- Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, to include writing and preparing memorandums, letters, and other official correspondence.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Lotus Notes/other e-mail software.
Education - Bachelor's Degree in a basic science is required.
- MS degree preferred.
Experience - None required.
- Some lab/research or clinical experience is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications - Prior experience with basic molecular biology techniques, ELISAs is preferred.
- Experience with clinical populations is a plus.
- Bilingual in (English/Spanish) is preferred.
- Phlebotomy training a plus, but could be provided with the position.
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