Research Assistant for the Boarder Biomedical Research Center

University of Texas at El Paso

  • El Paso, TX
  • 10 days ago

    Highlights

    The BBRC floating technician is a full-time position that provides flexible technical support across the UTEP's Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC) Research Capacity Core (RCC) facilities by assisting with routine laboratory operations, supporting core personnel during periods of absence or increased demand, and ensuring continuity of services when additional technical expertise is needed. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment and interact professionally with a diverse community of core facility users, including faculty, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and other investigators.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationEl Paso, TX

    Description

    Position Information

    Hiring Department: Border Biomedical Research Center

    Reports To: Deputy Director and Chair for Biological Sciences

    Job Location: El Paso, Texas (On Site)

    Posting End Date: Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

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

    FLSA status: Exempt

    Earliest Start Date: As soon as possible.

    Salary: Commensurate with Experience.

    Required Application Materials:

    • Resume
    • List of three references
    • Cover Letter

    Note: This is a temporary, contingent upon availability of funds position with a possibility of extension and is anticipated through March 31st, 2027.

    Position Summary

    Under moderate supervision and with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs routine research projects. May supervise the work of others.

    The BBRC floating technician is a full-time position that provides flexible technical support across the UTEP's Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC) Research Capacity Core (RCC) facilities by assisting with routine laboratory operations, supporting core personnel during periods of absence or increased demand, and ensuring continuity of services when additional technical expertise is needed. This position will be cross-trained to perform essential duties within the Genetics and Genomics Core, Cellular Characterization Unit and Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, and will provide coverage and assistance to other core facilities as needed.

    The Floating Technician will work closely with core facility directors and staff to support research activities, maintain high-quality laboratory operations, and ensure that investigators receive timely and reliable access to core services. The position requires adaptability, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to learn and perform a variety of biomedical laboratory techniques. The Floating Technician will report directly to the Deputy Director of the BBRC.

    Provide technical support and operational assistance to BBRC core facilities based on current needs and priorities.

    Receive comprehensive cross-training in the Genetics and Genomics Core, Cellular Characterization Unit, and Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, including laboratory workflows, instrumentation, quality control procedures, iLab, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

    Assist with routine laboratory procedures, sample processing, preparation of reagents, and maintenance of laboratory supplies.

    Support core facility staff during periods of increased workload, staff absences, or special research projects.

    Perform assigned technical procedures according to established protocols and SOPs.

    Assist with operation, maintenance, and quality control of laboratory equipment after appropriate training.

    Maintain accurate documentation of laboratory activities, sample tracking, quality control records, and service-related activities.

    Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.

    Assist with inventory management, including monitoring supplies and communicating needs to appropriate personnel.

    Participate in training activities to expand technical expertise and support additional BBRC core facilities as needed.

    Contribute to a collaborative environment focused on providing high-quality research support services to BBRC investigators.

    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 organizations objectives, policies and applicable laws.

    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.

    Required Qualifications:

    Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.

    and

    Experience: 3 years of laboratory experience in an academic, clinical, biotechnology, or research environment.

    Demonstrated understanding of basic molecular biology, cell biology, or biomedical laboratory techniques.

    Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate laboratory records.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

    Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

    Willingness and ability to learn new laboratory techniques and support multiple research areas.

    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment and interact professionally with a diverse community of core facility users, including faculty, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and other investigators.

    Master's degree in relevant discipline.

    Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, library preparation, or related workflows).

    Experience with cell culture, microscopy, flow cytometry, or cellular analysis techniques.

    Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and quality control procedures.

    Demonstrated experience with one or more advanced research technologies, such as microscopy, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, or related analytical platforms.

    Why Pick UTEP

    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.

    UTEP 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 26,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

    This is an especially exciting time to join UTEP as it advances the goals of its 2030 Strategic Plan. Built around the institution's core strengths-its location, its people, its supportive culture, and its community partnerships-the plan lays out a bold vision for the next decade, aimed at maximizing the University's regional impact and national stature.

    Miner Perks and Benefits

    What UTEP Offers:

    • Benefit Package includes: Medical, Prescription, Life Insurance and Wellness platform
    • Voluntary Benefits: Dental, Vision, Additional life insurance, UT Flex, Short and Long - term disability plans
    • Retirement Programs
    • Longevity Pay
    • Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
    • Paid Holidays
    • Employee Discounts & Perks
    • Employee Education Assistance program
    • And much more! Visit our Benefits Summary Page for more information on our additional benefits.

    Disclaimer: Eligibility for perks and benefits may vary based on part-time or full-time employment.

    Additional Information

    Note: To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

    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 positions essential functions.

    The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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 must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, or risk of radiation. The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

    In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to a 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 Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity 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. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 223C.

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

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