Research Scientist (Staff Scientist) at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas

Job Description:

Texas Biomed is recruiting for a Research Scientist (Staff Scientist) for metabolomic, chemical biology, and molecular studies. This position has 50% responsibility as a leader in the Integrated Research & Technology Core and 50% responsibility of laboratory research on chemical biology.

Scientific Roles:

Laboratory Research (50% effort):

Integrate the knowledge and technology of immunology, chemical biology, molecular microbiology, bioinformatic analyses of gene, lipid, and metabolite profiles, and animal studies to discover metabolite and lipid compounds with immune reactivities to fight infections and immune disorders. Current projects and responsibilities for this position involve identifying bacterial or mammalian metabolites for T cell activation and immune regulation, and collaborations with colleagues.

• Generate and modify hypotheses based on literature and experimental results.
• Carefully design and pursue experiments to test hypotheses and troubleshoot the assays if failed.
• Maintain an accurate and complete experimental record.
• Present findings through lab meetings, talks, seminars, posters, scientific conferences, manuscripts, and peer-reviewed publication
• Development of grant writing skills is encouraged. Preparing or assisting in preparing grant and contract applications may be required.
• Collaborate with other lab members and colleagues.
• Other relevant duties to complete research projects.

Integrated Research & Technology Core Duties (50% effort):

This position will work within a service center providing institutional core support in metabolomic, chemical biology, and/or molecular studies. A 75:25 split with the laboratory research role may be established in year 1, with the position transitioning to 50:50 effort in year 2. The position title and responsibilities will depend in part of experience of the applicant in management and specific techniques.

• Manage a unit within the Integrated Research & Technology Core focused on metabolomics, chemical biology, and/or molecular studies.
• A major aspect of this role is to (i) maintain optimal running of a mass spectrometer, (ii) establish multiple standard HPLC gradients and MS datasets for metabolomic/lipidomic profiling of common biological samples (urine, plasma, mammalian, bacterial cell extractions, etc), and (iii) provide future service for colleagues in the institute.
• Oversee and manage experiments conducted by technical staff, including but not limited to: nucleic acid library preparations for sequencing, gene expression studies, transcriptomics, epigenetic assays and other molecular service activities
• Oversee technical and operational aspects such as experiments, and equipment maintenance.
• Supervise the online platform for scheduling, usage tracking, supply inventory monitoring, billing, and report generation. Report directly to the Core Director.
• Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day technical and operational activities of assigned employees, as is relevant.
• Identify and implement process improvements, particularly for optimization, efficiency and growth.
• Analyze data and perform quality checks, delivering clear and timely results to team members and supervisor.
• Ensure the upkeep of core equipment and assess the need for new equipment as needed.
• Plan work schedules, assign tasks, coordinate workload, and provide priorities.
• Develop, organize, and participate in user training sessions, scientific workshops, outreach activities, and instrument demonstrations under the guidance of the Core Director.
• Ensure adequate cross-training to maintain consistent production coverage and up-to-date competency.
• Maintain accurate and timely procedure documentation, ensure that protocols are up-to-date. Drafting SOPs for new protocols for standard core lab services.
• Commit to and abide by the character of Texas Biomedical Research Institute's Core Values of Teamwork, Integrity, Diversity, Excellence and Safety (TIDES).
• Develop, initiate, and lead work projects for the development and implementation of process improvements, and policies and procedures that promote Texas Biomed's core values and align with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with supervisor and Core Director to develop metric collection tools to measure laboratory performance, service delivery information and quality data.
• Coach, mentor, motivate and lead assigned Texas Biomed employees influencing them to take positive action and be accountable for assigned responsibilities.
• Provide guidance and make recommendations concerning talent acquisition and retention, employee relations and employment terminations, performance management for assigned employees.
• Maintain regular communication with Core Director and reporting upcoming tasks and deadlines.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities for laboratory research:

• A Research Scientist with a PhD degree in chemistry, biochemistry, and/or chemical biology
• Responsible for performing metabolite/lipid profiling and identification using a new Orbitrap instrument and other bioassay-guided isolation protocols.
• Open to learning and exploring new areas of science, such as immunology and bioassays for functional tests.
• Highly motivated individuals who are self-desired to make major contributions to science.
• Be willing to work collaboratively with lab members and colleagues in the institute.
• Equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities for core service:

• Excellent supervisory, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Effective communication, organization, writing, planning, budgeting, goal setting, troubleshooting, and process improvement. Effective communication skills with customers.
• Willingness to spend 25% or more of time performing bench work and providing backup as per core scheduling
• Ability and competence to read, analyze, interpret, and generate technical reports with proficiency in writing accurate and concise documents and competence in mass profile data analyses.
• Strong project management, time management, organizational skills, and multi-tasking abilities to work in a fast-paced and collaborative team environment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed within routine office/laboratory environment which may be on-campus, a pre-approved remote location, and/or a combination of both as needed and determined by business necessity and organizational leaders. Work involves moderate physical activity (balancing, kneeling, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, grasping with both hands, pinching with thumb and forefinger, twisting with hand and wrist, walking) and the ability to manipulate tools, objects and equipment perform repetitive motions. Visual discrimination of color, size, shape and motility routinely required. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs. Physical demands may include prolonged sitting or standing depending on the nature of the workload. Exposure to biological and chemical hazards. This position may require participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program to include hepatitis B or other inoculations. The laboratory environment is managed by stringent safety and health standards and with adherence to protocol, the risk is very low.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change duties, education/experience/skills requirement of the position at any time.

Who We Are:

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing global human health through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed aims to unravel the mysteries of infectious diseases through innovative thinking, creative problem solving and cutting-edge technologies. The Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) provides broad services in primate research. We are one of seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) with specialized technologies, capabilities, and primate resources, many of which are unique to the SNPRC. Texas Biomed aims to unravel the mysteries of infectious diseases through innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and cutting-edge technologies, including a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer to be set up.

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive pay
• 7% Employer-Funded retirement contribution starting day one
• Full insurance benefits · Holidays, PTO and a paid week off in the last week of December
• We are proud of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging!

How to Apply:

In addition to applying here on our career page, please send the following documents to Shouxiong Huang at SHuang@txbiomed.org

• (1) Resume or CV
• (2) A cover letter

Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

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