Research Assistant

What you'll be working on

The Kumar Lab at Dell Medical School in Austin, TX is building new immune based therapies for pediatric brain tumors. The focus is on microglial replacement and the tumor microenvironment. This is a term limited position that runs through August 31, 2027. You'll be part of work that connects basic science with what happens in the clinic, collaborating with Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin.

You'll contribute to studies examining microglial polarization, how microglia and glioma communicate, and where the pediatric glioma microenvironment is vulnerable to treatment. This means time in the lab doing preclinical work, but also time collaborating with the pediatric neuro oncology program at Dell Children's Medical Center.

What you'll actually do

• Run experimental studies on microglial replacement and tumor immune interactions in mouse models of pediatric glioma
• Perform molecular and cellular assays like PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, MTS assays, and immunofluorescence
• Conduct mammalian cell culture experiments to study glioma microglia interactions and inflammatory signaling
• Use confocal microscopy and flow cytometry to characterize immune cell populations and microglial phenotypes
• Help with mouse procedures for microglial replacement protocols and pediatric glioma tumor modeling, making sure all work follows IACUC and UT Austin research standards
• Keep detailed experimental records and analyze data using GraphPad Prism and R
• Help prepare manuscripts, abstracts, and scientific presentations
• Participate in clinical research projects in pediatric neuro oncology, including studies on 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 connect lab findings with what's happening in the clinic

What you need to bring

• A Bachelor's degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or a related field
• At least 1 year of relevant laboratory experience
• Skills in confocal microscopy and flow cytometry
• Data analysis experience with GraphPad Prism and R
• Experience with REDCap, HIPAA regulations, and clinical research consent procedures
• UT Austin animal research compliance certification (or be eligible to get it)
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate

What would make you stand out

• A Master's degree in a related field with at least 2 years of experience
• 2 years of relevant lab experience, including specific techniques used in this research area
• Research experience in microglial biology, tumor immunology, or the 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 mouse models of glioma or tumor microenvironment biology
• Experience supporting research on microglial replacement or immune modulation strategies in pediatric glioma
• Prior experience connecting lab research with pediatric neuro oncology clinical programs
• Familiarity with translational research initiatives focused on the pediatric glioma tumor microenvironment

Working conditions you should know about

You may work around chemical fumes, biohazards, and chemicals. You'll be in standard office conditions sometimes too. This role involves repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation, use of manual dexterity, climbing stairs, and lifting and moving. Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work happens to meet deadlines.

Compensation

Salary starts at $38,000 and goes up depending on qualifications.

How to apply

Send a resume or CV, a letter of interest, and 3 work references with their contact information. At least one reference should be from a supervisor.

If you aren't currently a university employee or contingent worker, you'll be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply. You can then upload a new resume for later applications. Any additional materials, like the letter of interest and references, get uploaded in the Application Questions section where you can select multiple files. Make sure everything is uploaded before you submit.