Research Scientist/Sr. Research Scientist - Pediatric Surgery lab

UTHealth Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid medical premiums

Generous time off

Group retirement plan

Wellness programs

Job summary

A leading medical university seeks a Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist to join a dynamic team focused on regenerative medicine in Houston, Texas. This role involves conducting innovative experiments and advancing research on intestinal failure. The successful candidate will have a PhD or MD/PhD, a strong molecular biology background, and experience in animal surgeries. Benefits include 100% paid medical premiums and generous time off. Join an impactful research community within state-of-the-art facilities.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD/PhD degree required.
• Strong background in molecular biology with translational research experience preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in rodent surgery required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform quantitative and qualitative research procedures.
• Conduct experiments using complex techniques and advanced equipment.
• Evaluate data and present results to faculty and collaborators.

Skills

Molecular biology

Immunofluorescence

Animal surgery

Optical microscopy

Teamwork

Record-keeping

Education

PhD or MD/PhD

Tools

Tissue culture

PCR

RT-qPCR

RNAseq

scRNAseq

Ussing chamber

Job description

Research Scientist, or Senior Research Scientist. Program in Children's Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. Address: 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.254, Houston, TX 77030.

The Speer lab is a dynamic and rapidly growing research group focused on developing novel regenerative medicine strategies for intestinal failure, including tissue-engineered intestine and cell-based therapies. We leverage human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to generate human intestinal organoids (HIOs) for both in vitro and in vivo models, investigating critical aspects of enteric nervous system development and developing cell-based therapies for enteric neuropathies. The lab is currently supported by both a K08 and an R01 grant, fueling exciting new projects and expanding our team. As part of the vibrant Program in Children's Regenerative Medicine, you’ll join a stimulating research community with state-of-the-art basic laboratory, tissue-engineering, and cGMP facilities. The Program boasts 9 faculty and 14 research team members in non-clinical laboratory research, with faculty having been awarded over $15 million as Principal Investigators.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist to join our innovative team. This role involves planning, conducting, and directing a wide variety of cutting-edge experiments aimed at advancing regenerative medicine for intestinal failure. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping research project direction and outcomes, and will demonstrate considerable knowledge in basic and sophisticated laboratory equipment and advanced concepts in the assigned research field.

Position Key Accountabilities

• Determine the feasibility of possible projects to ensure results will have significant impact, considering staff, time, and resources.
• Plan and perform quantitative and qualitative research procedures in various areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and other biomedical fields. Identify problems through literature searches, partner research, or clinical input, formulate research questions, and design procedures to address them.
• Conduct experiments using advanced equipment and complex techniques, including tissue culture, protein purification, enzyme assays, chromatography, immunofluorescence, radioimmunoassays, biospectrometry, behavioral testing, animal surgery, and numerous laboratory methods.
• Design experimental procedures that may involve new techniques to improve existing analysis and provide additional capabilities.
• Evaluate data from analysis and present results in a written paper, a conference presentation, or through direct communication with faculty and collaborators.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, assist with repairs, and promote a safe laboratory environment. Ensure direct reports follow safety procedures and attend basic safety training courses.
• Provide work direction and guidance to personnel within the department. May lead projects and activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preference

• PhD, or MD/PhD degree.
• Strong background in molecular biology (PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blot, RNAseq, scRNAseq, IHC) with experience or interest in translational research, regenerative medicine, enteric nervous system, neurogastroenterology, intestinal biology, gastroenterology, developmental biology, and/or tissue engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in rodent surgery (mice and/or rats), including survival surgeries such as transplantation of human intestinal organoids and surgical manipulations of these in vivo transplanted organoids with anastomosis to the native rodent intestine or implantation of a spring device for distraction enterogenesis.
• Experience with aseptic cell culture techniques, including maintenance of hPSCs, generation and characterization of hPSCs, and/or directed differentiation of hPSCs into intestine or neural crest cells.
• Experience with optical microscopy (brightfield and fluorescent) and confocal microscopy.
• Experience with Ussing chamber or organ bath contractility studies is a plus.
• Motivated and able to conduct independent research without supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in teams with strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication.
• Impeccable record‑keeping skills and outstanding organization.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical premiums for full‑time employees.
• Generous time off, including holidays, preventative leave day, vacation, and sick time – totaling approximately 37–38 days per year. The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue.
• Longevity Pay (monthly payments after two years of service).
• Group retirement/pension plan.
• 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, and resources for child and elder care.

Physical Requirements

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, or negligible constant force to move objects. The position may involve work with potentially hazardous chemical, biological, or radioactive agents.

Security Sensitive

• Position is security‑sensitive under Texas Education Code and Texas Government Code.
• Requires knowledge of critical infrastructure and ongoing assessments of criminal history and connections to foreign adversaries.
• Personnel must maintain security and integrity of the infrastructure.

Residency Requirement

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

Minimum Education

Doctorate degree.

Minimum Experience

Two (2) years of experience in a related research environment and verifiable publications within the field.