Laboratory Assistant - Part Time

Description

Looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Laboratory Assistant (part time) to provide basic lab support (70%) and assist with research focused on infectious diseases and host cell biology (30%) in the Schlesinger laboratory. NOTE: This is a part-time position scheduled for 20 hours per week.

JOB DUTIES:

Duties include assisting with research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis-host cell biology as well as providing basic lab maintenance support as outlined below. 

• Cleans laboratory equipment such as teflon wells, serum tubes, and other laboratory glassware.
• Operates and empties autoclaves, sterilizers, and other laboratory equipment in the course of routine laboratory maintenance work.
• Prepares media, buffers and other basic chemical solutions.
• Maintains various types of records relative to assignments. 
• Assists with inventory, re-stocking, and keeps supplies in order. 
• Helps maintain equipment as requested.
• Performs some routine laboratory procedures relative to experience level. Procedures may include cell culture, isolating human cells, ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western Blot.
• May assist with mouse breeding colony maintenance, mouse handling and genotyping sample collection. 
• Attends lab meetings, with opportunity to present research findings in lab meetings and local conferences.
• May assist senior scientists on research projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE: 

• Education: Required Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in biological/health sciences or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Experience: Preferred prior experience working in a Biosafety Level (BSL)-1 and/or BSL-2 laboratory 
• Strong organizational skills 
• Self-motivated with excellent communication skills 
• Research Skills: Preferred experience in mammalian cell culture (primary cells and/or cell lines) 
• Experience handling bacterial strains 
• Familiarity with molecular and biochemistry techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction from cells, PCR and qRT-PCR, Western blotting, microbiology techniques, and tissue culture 
• Software Proficiency: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, and other relevant scientific/data analysis software

POTENTIAL HAZARDS:

Working with human samples.

Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program is required.  Safety training, equipment, clothing and supplies will be provided when required.  Requires successful completion of a background check.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Individuals will have the opportunity to interact and work with a group of talented scientists with a broad range of background and expertise: MD, PhD, MD/PhD, graduate students, and research assistants with expertise in cell biology, microbiology, and immunology. 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.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU: 

• Enjoy an employee-centered culture grounded in open communication, empowerment, and trust. We believe in working hard and having fun, offering 100+ culture events each year to bring our team together and keep the energy strong!
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your family—including pet insurance options.
• Competitive employer-funded retirement plan with 6% contributions starting on day one, increasing with years of service.
• Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays and a paid Winter Recess (from the last week of December through New Year’s).
• Paid time off for short-term illness and mental wellness, helping you take the time you need when life happens.
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to encourage giving back to the community.
• Paid parental leave to support you and your growing family.
• Flexible work arrangements that support a strong work-life balance.
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives, and prescription support programs designed to make care more accessible and affordable.
• On-site fitness center and wellness programs to help you stay active and healthy.
• Relaxed dress code so you can feel comfortable and be yourself at work.
• Dynamic learning environment with professional development opportunities, mentorship, tuition reimbursement, and leadership programs to support your growth.
• Proud recipient of the 2025 Healthy Workplace Platinum Recognition from the San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH)—the highes