Job Posting Title:
Research Assistant----
Hiring Department:
Department of Neurosurgery----
Position Open To:
All Applicants----
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40----
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt from FLSA----
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately----
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2027----
Location:
AUSTIN, TX----
Job Details:
The Kumar Lab develops innovative cellular and immune-based therapies for pediatric brain tumors, with a focus on microglial replacement and tumor microenvironment biology. Our work bridges basic science and clinical translation through close collaborations across Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin.
This role is a term-limited position with a fixed duration of up to two years, 08/31/2027.
The Kumar Lab at Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Assistant to support translational research focused on microglial replacement strategies and tumor–microenvironment interactions in pediatric glioma. The lab integrates molecular biology, tumor immunology, and clinical neuro-oncology to develop novel immune-based therapies for pediatric brain tumors. The selected candidate will contribute to studies examining microglial polarization, microglia–glioma communication, and therapeutic vulnerabilities within the pediatric glioma microenvironment.
This position involves both preclinical laboratory experimentation and clinical translational research activities conducted in collaboration with the pediatric neuro-oncology program at Dell Children’s Medical Center.
Laboratory Research & Experimental Techniques
Support experimental studies on microglial replacement and tumor–immune interactions in murine models of pediatric glioma
Perform molecular and cellular assays (PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, MTS assays, immunofluorescence)
Conduct mammalian cell culture experiments evaluating glioma–microglia interactions and inflammatory signaling
Perform confocal microscopy and flow cytometry to characterize immune cell populations and microglial phenotypes
Animal Research Support
Assist with mouse procedures for microglial replacement protocols and pediatric glioma tumor modeling
Ensure all animal work complies with IACUC and UT Austin research standards
Data Management, Analysis & Documentation
Maintain detailed experimental records and analyze datasets using GraphPad Prism and R
Support preparation of manuscripts, abstracts, and scientific presentations
Clinical Research & Translational Integration
Participate in clinical research projects in pediatric neuro-oncology, including studies of treatment outcomes and neurocognitive effects
Manage clinical datasets in REDCap, support regulatory documentation, and assist with HIPAA-compliant data collection and consent
Attend pediatric neuro-oncology clinic and tumor board meetings to help connect laboratory findings with clinical observations
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or a related field
1 year of relevant laboratory experience
Skills in confocal microscopy and flow cytometry
Data analysis experience using GraphPad Prism and R statistical software
Experience with REDCap, HIPAA regulations, and clinical research consent procedures
UT Austin animal research compliance certification or eligibility to obtain
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Master’s degree in a related field with at least 2 years of experience
2 years of relevant laboratory experience, including experience with specific techniques used in the research area
Research experience in microglial biology, tumor immunology, or glioma tumor microenvironment
Proficiency in molecular assays (PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence)
Experience with mammalian cell culture in tumor or immune-signaling contexts
Experience working with murine models of glioma or tumor microenvironment biology
Experience supporting research on microglial replacement or immune-modulation strategies in pediatric glioma
Prior experience integrating laboratory research with pediatric neuro-oncology clinical programs
Familiarity with translational research initiatives focused on the pediatric glioma tumor microenvironment
May work around chemical fumes
May work around standard office conditions
May work around biohazards
May work around chemicals
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
Use of manual dexterity
Climbing of stairs
Lifting and moving
Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines
$38,000 + depending on qualifications
Resume/CV
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Letter of interest
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
----
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.----
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.----
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
----
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
----
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
----
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
----
E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
----
Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.