Job Details

Research Technician III - School of Pharmacy

Position Number: 6356465
Location: El Paso, TX
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Research Technician III - School of Pharmacy

Job ID: 13657
Location: El Paso, TX
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Temporary

About UTEP

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.

UTEP is America's leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 85% of our 25,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

About the School of Pharmacy

The UTEP School of Pharmacy advances the university's goals of access and excellence through a comprehensive approach that includes its admissions process, curriculum, clinical training, and community engagement. With a mission to transform pharmacy education, patient care, research, and leadership, the School is uniquely positioned to address the healthcare needs and challenges of the Paso del Norte region and beyond. Through a focus on innovation and student development, it prepares future pharmacists to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the field.

Position Information

Hiring Department: School of Pharmacy - The Koyani Lab

Posting End Date: Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Hours: 40 hours per week, standard Monday- Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm, flexibility is required on evenings and weekends

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Earliest Start Date: 09/01/2025

Starting Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Application Materials:

Resume
Listed names of three potential references (Preferred)

Note: This position is temporary and subject to availability of funds.

The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents' performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents' immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver's license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.

Purpose of Position

Summary: The Koyani Lab in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department is seeking a Research Technician to join our team and support research in biochemical and molecular biology techniques. The successful candidate will assist with laboratory operations, conduct experiments involving cell culture, PCR, western blotting, and chromatography, and maintain accurate research records. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain valuable experience in pharmaceutical and biomedical research.

This is a 2-year position, with the possibility of extension depending on continued availability of funding.

Essential Functions

Cell Culture Maintenance:

Maintain and passage mammalian cell cultures using sterile techniques; prepare media and reagents; record experimental details accurately.

Molecular Biology Techniques:

Perform PCR (standard and real-time), gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extraction, and basic cloning techniques.

Western Blotting and Protein Analysis:

Extract and quantify protein; perform SDS-PAGE and western blotting; detect and analyze target proteins using appropriate methods.

Chromatography:

Operate HPLC systems; prepare samples and buffers; assist in troubleshooting and optimizing protocols.

Lab Operations, Orders, and Compliance:

Place and receive lab supply orders; maintain lab inventory; ensure laboratory safety and compliance with institutional biosafety and chemical safety guidelines; maintain accurate documentation.
Provide technical support for ongoing experiments and train new users on lab protocols.
Troubleshoot basic experimental issues and coordinate maintenance or service for lab equipment when necessary.
Maintain accurate and organized experimental records and lab documentation.

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Complies with all State and University policies.

Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Associate degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant biological or biomedical field.

Two years of experience, related to the statement of duties and responsibilities.

At least 1 year of laboratory experience in molecular and cell biology techniques (undergraduate or postgraduate research experience is acceptable).

Experience in sterile technique and mammalian cell culture.

Experience with PCR, western blotting, and molecular biology methods.

Familiarity with HPLC techniques is highly preferred.

Prior experience working in a research-intensive academic or industry lab setting is highly preferred.

Familiarity with lab safety procedures and regulatory compliance is highly preferred.

Additional Information

Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and color vision.

Work Environment:

Laboratory environment; exposure to biological materials and chemical reagents.
Must follow safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Requires standing or sitting for extended periods and lifting items up to 25 lbs.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to support experimental timelines.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather related); work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions; extreme cold or extreme heat (non-weather related); risk of electrical shock; work with explosives; risk of radiation; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet conditions to loud noises.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.

To apply, visit https://zahr-prd-candidate-ada.utshare.utsystem.edu/psp/ZAHRPRDADA/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=2&JobOpeningId=13657&PostingSeq=1