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

Utmb; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

UTMB Health in Galveston is seeking a Research Associate I in Basic Science and Translational Research to support standardized lab assignments and experiments. You will prepare and analyze small molecules and microplastics in biological samples, using LC-MS/MS or Py-GC-MS, and maintain thorough documentation in SOPs and QA records.

The role emphasizes sample prep, extraction, and purification, plus routine instrument operation and data interpretation in a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in basic science or equivalent.
• Experience in a bioanalytical or micro-/nanoplastic lab is preferred.
• Experience with LC-MS/MS or Py-GC-MS instrumentation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological sample preparation and extraction for microplastics/nanoplastics in biological samples.
• Prepare solutions, mobile phases, stock solutions, calibration standards and QC samples.
• Operate LC-MS/MS and HPLC instruments and assist with data analysis and QA.
• Maintain equipment, logs, SOPs, QA records and laboratory inventory.
• Adhere to internal controls and perform related duties as required.

Skills

Biological Analysis

Quantitative Analysis

Qualitative Analysis

Data Tabulation

Equipment Calibration

Organization

Solution Preparation

Calibration Curves

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in basic science

Tools

LC-MS/MS

HPLC

Py-GC-MS

Job description

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

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.

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.