Graduate Research Assistant

Office

Location:

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Drive, MASS Building 2nd Floor, Edinburg, TX 78539. Phone:
Edinburg: ;
Brownsville: . Office hours:
Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m.

Faculty Recruitment:
College of Engineering & Computer Science: cecs;
Robert

C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship: cobe.

Open Date: 11/25/2025 | Posting Number: A1312 |

Number of Vacancies : 1 | Desired

Start Date:

01/05/2026.

Title:

Graduate Research Assistant (Assistantship Title).

Working Title:

Graduate Research Assistant. Classification:
Job Class Code 10095 (FLSA Exempt). FTE: .25. Department:
College of Liberal Arts / Psychological Science. Division:
Provost – Academic Affairs.

Location:

College of Liberal Arts.

• Complete training on the ethical use of animals in research.
• Complete basic laboratory safety training.
• Conduct research/database searches for articles and resources relevant to the research topic (i.e., neurobiology of social behavior; animal models of cardiovascular and neurological disorders).
• Learn and use research and statistical software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Graph Pad, ANYMaze, data capture software) to analyze data and create graphs.
• Create PowerPoint and/or poster presentations to share research findings with the lab and others.
• Conduct behavioral experiments using laboratory animals.
• Learn and perform surgical and other procedures that allow the investigator to manipulate the brain and other organ systems.
• Learn and extract brains and other tissues from animal models.
• Perform tissue processing techniques (e.g., immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry) to identify and visualize protein in tissue.
• Capture images of brain sections using a microscope and image capture software.
• Assist lead investigators with the supervision of undergraduate students in the laboratory.
• Assist lead investigators with basic administrative tasks.
• Attend lab meetings and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.

• Admitted to a graduate degree program.
• Good academic standing.
• Registered full‑time for the semester (either 9 semester credit hours for fall or spring, or 3 for summer), or registered in the required number of semester credit hours to fulfill the remaining degree plan requirements.

• This research assistantship is funded by a National Institutes of Health grant; all personnel funded by this grant will be expected to comply with federal laws, regulations, and policies protecting the rights and safety of individuals working on NIH‑funded projects.
• Full‑time UTRGV graduate student, willing to work 10 hours per week in a laboratory during regular working hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday‑Friday) and on weekends in some cases; hourly distribution is flexible.
• Able to work with and handle laboratory animals, following institutionally approved protocols.

• Graduate student in the Department of Psychological Science, Department of Biology, or a related program in the College of Liberal Arts, College of Sciences, College of Health Professions, and/or School of Medicine.
• Prior research experience and/or highly motivated to learn behavioral neuroscience research techniques.
• Basic knowledge of research methods and statistics.
• Ability to conduct background research and summarize literature reviews on topics relevant to behavioral neuroscience.
• Familiarity with research and statistical software and/or highly motivated to learn how to use this type of software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and internet navigation.
• Ability to work independently and manage many projects concurrently.
• Ability to conduct primary research under the guidance of the lead investigator.

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non‑discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment.

We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.