Senior Research Assistant/Associate – Immunology, Virology, and Vaccine Development

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and detail-oriented Senior Research Assistant/Associate to join our research team at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. This full-time position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual who is passionate about advancing vaccine research and development.

The successful candidate will support laboratory activities in biocontainment (BSL-2/3) environments and contribute to our cutting-edge vaccine research program. Our laboratory focuses on infectious diseases and vaccine development using nonhuman primate (NHP) models. Current research efforts are directed toward developing innovative mucosal vaccine strategies (HIV, HPV, HPV/HIV, TB) to prevent or control infection, while investigating pathogen-host interactions and correlates of protection.

Key Responsibilities

• Isolate, prepare, and process biological specimens collected from NHPs.
• Follow established laboratory protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Adhere to all institutional biosafety and safety regulations.
• Set up, operate, and assist with the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Perform cell-based assays, including tissue culture and standard immunological techniques.
• Record, compile, and analyze research data while maintaining accurate and detailed documentation.
• Assist with the standardization and troubleshooting of experimental protocols.
• Support database management, freezer inventories, and tissue sample tracking.
• Assist with ordering laboratory supplies and reagents to ensure efficient operations.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
• Present findings and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Education, Skills, and Experience

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Virology, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of laboratory bench experience.
• Proficiency in immunological techniques (e.g., ELISPOT, ELISA, flow cytometry, tissue culture).
• Experience with basic molecular biology methods (e.g., RNA/DNA isolation, RT-PCR) is preferred.
• Experience working in BSL-2+ and/or BSL-3 environments is desirable.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with standard computer applications (Mac/PC).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Virology, or a related field, with at least four years of research experience.
• Expertise in multicolor flow cytometry, neutralizing antibody assays, and immunohistology and imaging.
• Experience in cellular phenotyping and advanced immunological techniques.
• Experience with molecular biology methods (RNA/DNA isolation, RT-PCR).
• Familiarity with nonhuman primate (NHP) research is highly desirable.

Our Ideal Candidate Will:

• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Show a commitment to contributing to the laboratory’s research program for a minimum of three years.

In addition to applying on our career site, interested applicants should upload a cover letter summarizing their research interests in our lab, past research, laboratory experience, and a curriculum vitae. 

Who We Are: 

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease! 

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.

Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine: 

• The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research

• A federally designated National Primate Research Center 

• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics,  vaccines and therapies

• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval 

What We Can Offer You:

• Recognized as one of the San Antonio Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2025.
• Awarded the 2024 Healthy Workplace Platinum Recognition by the San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH).
• Employee-centered culture focused on open communication, job empowerment, and tr