Job Description

Looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Laboratory Assistant (part time) to provide basic lab support (70%) and assist with research focused on infectious diseases and host cell biology (30%) in the Schlesinger laboratory. NOTE: This is a part-time position scheduled for 20 hours per week.

JOB DUTIES:

Duties include assisting with research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis-host cell biology as well as providing basic lab maintenance support as outlined below.

• Cleans laboratory equipment such as teflon wells, serum tubes, and other laboratory glassware.
• Operates and empties autoclaves, sterilizers, and other laboratory equipment in the course of routine laboratory maintenance work.
• Prepares media, buffers and other basic chemical solutions.
• Maintains various types of records relative to assignments.
• Assists with inventory, re-stocking, and keeps supplies in order.
• Helps maintain equipment as requested.
• Performs some routine laboratory procedures relative to experience level. Procedures may include cell culture, isolating human cells, ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western Blot.
• May assist with mouse breeding colony maintenance, mouse handling and genotyping sample collection.
• Attends lab meetings, with opportunity to present research findings in lab meetings and local conferences.
• May assist senior scientists on research projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Education: Required Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in biological/health sciences or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience: Preferred prior experience working in a Biosafety Level (BSL)-1 and/or BSL-2 laboratory
• Strong organizational skills
• Self-motivated with excellent communication skills
• Research Skills: Preferred experience in mammalian cell culture (primary cells and/or cell lines)
• Experience handling bacterial strains
• Familiarity with molecular and biochemistry techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction from cells, PCR and qRT-PCR, Western blotting, microbiology techniques, and tissue culture
• Software Proficiency: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, and other relevant scientific/data analysis software

POTENTIAL HAZARDS:

Working with human samples.

Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program is required. Safety training, equipment, clothing and supplies will be provided when required. Requires successful completion of a background check.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Individuals will have the opportunity to interact and work with a group of talented scientists with a broad range of background and expertise: MD, PhD, MD/PhD, graduate students, and research assistants with expertise in cell biology, microbiology, and immunology. This position may require participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program to include hepatitis B or other inoculations. The laboratory environment is managed by stringent safety and health standards and with adherence to protocol, the risk is very low.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Enjoy an employee-centered culture grounded in open communication, empowerment, and trust. We believe in working hard and having fun, offering 100+ culture events each year to bring our team together and keep the energy strong!
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your family—including pet insurance options.
• Competitive employer-funded retirement plan with 6% contributions starting on day one, increasing with years of service.
• Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays and a paid Winter Recess (from the last week of December through New Year’s).
• Paid time off for short-term illness and mental wellness, helping you take the time you need when life happens.
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to encourage giving back to the community.
• Paid parental leave to support you and your growing family.
• Flexible work arrangements that support a strong work-life balance.
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives, and prescription support programs designed to make care more accessible and affordable.
• On-site fitness center and wellness programs to help you stay active and healthy.
• Relaxed dress code so you can feel comfortable and be yourself at work.
• Dynamic learning environment with professional development opportunities, mentorship, tuition reimbursement, and leadership programs to support your growth.
• Proud recipient of the 2025 Healthy Workplace Platinum Recognition from the San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH)—the highest honor for employee-focused wellness initiatives.

WHO WE ARE:

• Texas Biomedical Research Institute is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing global human health through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed aims to unravel the mysteries of infectious diseases through innovative thinking, creative problem solving and cutting-edge technologies.
• 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

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.