Research Associate (Temp)

Research Associate (Temp)

Job ID: 12932
Location: El Paso, TX
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: $RegTemp

About UTEP

About the University of Texas at El Paso

UTEP is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.

The University of Texas at El Paso is America's leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 24,000 students are Hispanic, and more than half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 172 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

College of Science

The University of Texas at El Paso's College of Science is committed to advancing scientific knowledge through research, innovation, and education. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research, the college provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, and mathematical sciences. Our mission is to cultivate future leaders in science and technology, while contributing to the scientific and economic development of the border region and beyond.

Position Information

Hiring Department: College of Science

Posting End Date: Open until filled.

Hours: up to 40 hours per week, standard Monday- Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm.

FLSA status: Exempt

Earliest Start Date: As soon as possible.

Salary: $42,000 annually.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of three references

Note: This position is Grant Funded and subject to availability of funds.

The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents' performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents' immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver's license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.



Purpose of Position

Summary:Under the general supervision and with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs moderately complex specialized research projects. May supervise the work of others. The Research Associate will join a dynamic team in a laboratory dedicated to cancer biology, with a particular focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving disparities in Hispanics. The successful candidate will assist in ongoing projects related to genetic and epigenetic regulation, tumor microenvironment analysis, and other omics-based approaches. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research addressing critical health disparities.

Note:The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed below. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents' performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents' immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver's license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.

Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct laboratory experiments, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and cell culture.

Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, results, and protocols.

Prepare reagents, maintain laboratory equipment, and order supplies.

Present findings in lab meetings and assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication.

Ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols.

Conducts, monitors, and analyzes research projects and data.

Prepares reports of research findings.

Authors or edits technical reports and summaries of findings.

Assists with planning, developing, coordinating, and administering research projects.

May assist in designing and creating computer programs for research applications.

May trains users on the operation and data management of research equipment.

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Complies with all State and University policies.

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:May carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's objectives, policies and applicable laws.







Qualifications

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education required:

Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.



Minimum Experience required:

No minimum experience required. Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis, of measurement, testing, and evaluation, and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies. Skilled in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and in using computers, software, and statistical tools and programs. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects, evaluate research data, ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity, interpret and publish research findings, and communicate effectively.

Preferred Experience:

Experience in cancer research, particularly breast cancer or tumor biology.
Assist in the analysis of genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic data using bioinformatics tools.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including bioinformaticians, biologists, and clinicians.
Familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and omics data analysis.
Uses statistical methods for the relational databases to analyze data sets.
Experience in managing and analyzing large datasets.
Knowledge of epigenetics and/or the tumor microenvironment in cancer.




Additional Information

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment: The Research Associate will work in a collaborative and supportive research environment within the Department of Biological Sciences at UTEP. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art molecular biology and bioinformatics tools to conduct cutting-edge cancer research, particularly focusing on health disparities. The candidate will have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers, clinicians, and bioinformaticians both at UTEP and in partner institutions.
The position requires the ability to work in a laboratory setting, which may involve extended periods of standing, as well as handling biological specimens and hazardous chemicals in accordance with established safety protocols. Additionally, the research team fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation, providing mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for growth in academic research.


In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.


To apply, visit https://zahr-prd-candidate-ada.utshare.utsystem.edu/psp/ZAHRPRDADA/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=2&JobOpeningId=12932&PostingSeq=1

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