Research Associate I, Basic Science and Translational Research (Galveston)

The University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, TX seeks a Research Associate I to support standardized laboratory assignments and microplastics analyses in biological samples. This role emphasizes precision, documentation, and teamwork in a standard lab setting.

The candidate will perform biological sample preparation, operate LC-MS/MS and HPLC, prepare calibration standards, and maintain QA records. Bachelor’s degree required; growth potential in advanced analytical techniques.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in basic science or equivalent; no experience required.
• Preferred: 1+ years in bioanalytical/micro-/nanoplastic labs; sample prep, extraction, purification, concentration.
• Preference for experience with LC-MS/MS and/or Py-GC-MS instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological sample preparation and extraction for analysis of small molecules and microplastics in biological samples.
• Perform digestion, filtration, density separation, SPE, LLE, protein precipitation, purification, and concentration.
• Operate analytical instrumentation including LC-MS/MS and HPLC.
• Prepare calibration standards, mobile phases, stock solutions, and QC samples with high accuracy.
• Maintain equipment and perform routine checks (centrifuges, vacuum dryers, SPE manifolds, pH meters).
• Maintain laboratory documentation (logs, SOPs, QA records, inventory).
• Assist with data analysis, QC, and interpretation of results.
• Adheres to internal controls established by the department.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills

Biological Analysis

Quantitative Analysis

Qualitative Analysis

Data Tabulation

Equipment Calibration

Organization

Solution Preparation

QA Documentation

Communication

Team Collaboration

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in basic science or equivalent

Tools

LC-MS/MS

HPLC

Py-GC-MS

Job description

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in basic science or equivalent and no experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of practical experience in a bioanalytical or micro-/nanoplastic analytical laboratory. Experience with biological sample preparation, extraction, purification, and concentration techniques.
• Experience operating LC-MS/MS systems, such as Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantiva or Sciex API 4000, and/or Py-GC-MS instrumentation.

Job Description

Research Associate I performs varying standardized laboratory assignments and experiments.

Job Duties

• Conducting biological sample preparation and extraction for the analysis of small molecules and trace-level microplastics/nanoplastics in biological samples.
• Performing sample preparation procedures, including digestion, filtration, density separation, solid-phase extraction (SPE), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), protein precipitation, purification, and concentration.
• Assisting with the operation of analytical instrumentation, including LC-MS/MS, and HPLC.
• Preparing chemical solutions, mobile phases, stock solutions, calibration standards, and quality control (QC) samples with high accuracy and precision.
• Maintaining and performing routine checks of laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, vacuum dryers, SPE manifolds, and pH meters.
• Maintaining laboratory documentation, including sample tracking logs, laboratory notebooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), instrument logs, quality assurance (QA) records, and laboratory inventory.
• Assisting with data analysis, quality control, and interpretation of analytical results.
• Adheres to internal controls established by the department.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills

• Biological Analysis
• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
• Tabulation of Data
• Equipment Calibration
• Standard Laboratory EquipmentStrong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong numerical and scientific skills, with demonstrated ability to accurately prepare solutions, dilutions, stock solutions, and multi-point calibration curves.
• Experience with biological sample preparation and extraction techniques, including SPE, LLE and protein precipitation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and schedule multiple laboratory tasks efficiently.

Working Environment

Standard laboratory environment.

Salary Range

Commensurate with experience.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Primary Location

United States-Texas-Galveston

Work Locations

1062 - Medical Research Bldg

Job

Research Academic & ClinicalRegular

Employee Status

Non-Manager

Job Level

Day Shift

Job Posting

Oct 9, 2026, 1:11:02 PM