Research Assistant Full-time

Research Assistant

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

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Working Conditions

• 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

Salary Range

$38,000 + depending on qualifications

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest