Research Assistant/Associate

Texas Biomedical Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

The Mehra Lab at Texas Biomedical Research Institute is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join her team dedicated to unraveling the basic mechanisms of tuberculosis (TB) infection and developing novel vaccines and therapies to combat this devastating disease.

Responsibilities include performing complex laboratory tasks per SOPs, developing techniques using nonhuman primate models, generating and analyzing data, and collaborating across research units to guide

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred in Immunology, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• 4+ years of relevant research with Bachelor's degree, or 2+ years with Master's degree.
• 1-2 years’ experience with NHPs or small animal models in BSL3 lab.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to support reporting and collaboration.
• Ability to lead and collaborate in a team-oriented research environment.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to groundbreaking research on TB pathogenesis, including latent and active TB, and its interactions with HIV, to support the development of new vaccines and therapies.
• Perform complex laboratory tasks following established protocols and SOPs, while helping to develop and refine experimental techniques using nonhuman primate models.
• Generate, record, and analyze research data to support project goals, prepare reports, and summarize findings to guide scientific decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with team members, maintaining clear, professional communication and strong working relationships across research units.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Willingness to learn

Education

Master’s degree preferred in Immunology, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Description

The Mehra Lab at Texas Biomedical Research Institute is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join her team dedicated to unraveling the basic mechanisms of tuberculosis (TB) infection and developing novel vaccines and therapies to combat this devastating disease.

• Contribute to groundbreaking research on tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis, including latent and active TB, and its interactions with HIV, to support the development of new vaccines and therapies.
• Perform complex laboratory tasks following established protocols and SOPs, while also helping to develop and refine experimental techniques using nonhuman primate models.
• Generate, record, and analyze research data to support project goals, prepare reports, and summarize findings to guide scientific decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with team members, maintaining clear, professional communication and strong working relationships across research units.

Our Ideal Candidate

• Master’s degree preferred in Immunology, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field, with strong foundational knowledge in drug development, drug biology, delivery systems, modern analytical techniques, and biostatistics.
• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or two (2) years with a Master’s degree in a related field.
• 1 -2 years’ experience in working with NHPs or small animal model in BSL3 lab setting.
• Demonstrated leadership and strong collaboration skills with the ability to contribute effectively in a team-oriented research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to support clear reporting and effective interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Eagerness to learn and apply new techniques, methodologies, and technologies as research evolves.

Other

Work involves strenuous physical activities of various kinds with routine exposure to animals, hazardous substances, potentially dangerous situations, and unpleasant work conditions (e.g. exposure to unpleasant odors or adverse weather conditions). The laboratory environment is managed by stringent safety and health standards and with adherence to protocol, the risk is low.

Who We Are

• 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

• 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.

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.