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

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Working Environment:

Standard laboratory environment.

Salary Range:

Commensurate with experience.