Research Assistant I - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare education and research is seeking a Research Assistant to support groundbreaking studies in the field of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. This role involves conducting MRI image analysis and supporting research projects that aim to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Gulf War Illness. Join a team that values innovation and employee well-being, offering generous time off, comprehensive health benefits, and a supportive work environment. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that impacts the lives of veterans and their families while enjoying a rewarding career in a prestigious institution.

Benefits

100% paid medical premiums

Generous time off

Longevity Pay

Retirement/pension plan

Free financial and legal counseling

Free mental health counseling services

Gym membership discounts

Resources for child and elder care

Qualifications

• Conduct research activities under supervision, including MRI image analysis.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and collect research data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct MRI image analysis and other research activities as per protocol.
• Collect and interpret research data for principal investigators.

Skills

MRI image analysis

Research protocol knowledge

Patient recruiting and screening

General knowledge of research fields

Education

Bachelor's degree

Relevant experience

Tools

Freesurfer

FSL

Linux

Job description

Research Assistant I - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

25000087 Requisition #

Under close direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. This project focuses on magnetic resonance imaging analysis to support a Department of Defense-funded grant investigating the effects of toxic exposure on combat Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War. In this project, we will use existing MRI data to determine if changes in the brains of Veterans are consistent for those who are sick when compared to those who are not ill. If successful, this will be used to develop a visual scale that can be used to aid in the diagnosis of Gulf War Illness and ultimately as an endpoint in treatment studies for Veterans of more recent wars who have been exposed to similar toxins (sarin gas, pesticides, burn pits, etc).

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ well-being is important to us. We offer work/life services such as:

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Under close supervision, conducts research activities according to research protocol. Research activities may include some or all of the following: MRI image analysis using freesurfer, FSL, and other image analysis packages on a Linux machine, patient recruiting and screening, traditional laboratory experiments and activities, informatics, screening and training.
• May maintain clean laboratory equipment and/or work area to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Collects, evaluates, and interprets research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates Teams documents, records, and databases as needed.
• Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research department.
• Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff.
• As needed, may coordinate the work of laboratory technicians and assistants to ensure efficient, timely and high quality results.
• Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

General knowledge of research fields.

Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in lieu of education.

No years of experience.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds constantly and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive agents.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.