Research Scientist - Ophthalmology

Join the innovative team at UTHealth Houston’s Department of Ophthalmology – Vision Research as a full-time Research Scientist and contribute to groundbreaking studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms that regulate lipid homeostasis in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration. In this role, you will lead and conduct independent research, including animal studies, molecular and cellular experiments, data analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of manuscripts for publication. This position offers the opportunity to apply your scientific expertise in a collaborative research environment while advancing discoveries that may improve the understanding and treatment of vision-related diseases. Candidates should be comfortable working hands-on with laboratory animals as an essential component of the research program, with prior experience using animal models preferred.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees  
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year) 
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue! 
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service) 
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

• Free financial and legal counseling 
• Free mental health counseling services 
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs 
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc. 
• Resources for child and elder care 
• Plus many more! 

Position Summary:

Coordinates, oversees, and directs research or other technical operations. Provides technical expertise to facilitate research design, conducting, and reporting.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Conducts executes and assists in interpreting the results of complex scientific experiments using advanced equipment, complex technique methods, and procedures.
• Evaluates and interprets data analysis to support publications. Prepares results: for publication, presentation at meetings, or direct communication with faculty members.
• Determines project feasibility in terms of staff, time, and resources.  
• Plans and performs quantitative and qualitative research procedures in various scientific areas. Identifies ideas for new research projects by partnering with key stakeholders. Formulates a project and implements experiments to execute the research project.
• Assists the principal investigator in writing and submitting grant applications.
• Stays abreast of new research progress and technological advances to upgrade research skills and produce accurate results. Researches literature for new progress and technological advances to upgrade research skills.
• Maintains lab equipment, assists in necessary repairs, and promotes a safe laboratory environment. Ensures direct reports follow safety procedures and attend basic safety training courses.
• As a senior member of the lab, may lead lab meetings and mentor junior lab members, including staff, students, and postdocs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• None

Minimum Education:

Doctorate Degree required

Minimum Experience:

2 years of experience in a related research environment and have verifiable publications within the field of the research project required

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.