Graduate Research Assistant-Psychological Science and Neuroscience

Title Information

Assistantship TitleGraduate Research Assistant

Job Class Code10095

FLSAExempt

Minimum Qualifications

1. Must be admitted to a graduate degree program.

2. Must be in good academic standing

3. Be registered full-time for the respective semester – nine (9) semester credit hours during the fall semester, nine (9) semester credit hours during the spring semester, or three (3) semester credit hours during the summer session or be registered in the required number of semester credit hours to fulfill the only remaining requirements of the degree plan.

Position Information

Posting NumberA1495

Working TitleGraduate Research Assistant-Psychological Science and Neuroscience

LocationBrownsville, Texas

CollegeCollege of Liberal Arts

DepartmentCollege of Liberal Arts / Psychological Science

DivisionProvost - Academic Affairs

FTE.25

Scope of Job

1. Complete training on the ethical use of animals in research

2. Complete basic laboratory safety training

3. Conduct research/database searchers for articles and resources relevant to the research topic (i.e., neurobiology of social behavior; animal models of cardiovascular and neurological disorders)

4. Learn and be able to use research and statistical software (e.g., excel, SPSS , graphpad, ANYMaze, data capture software) to analyze data and create graphs.

5. Create PowerPoint and/or poster presentations to share research findings with the lab and others.

6. Conduct behavioral experiments using laboratory animals.

7. Learn and be able to perform surgical and other procedures that allow the investigator to manipulate the brain and other organ systems.

8. Learn and be able to extract brains and other tissues from animal models.

9. Perform tissue processing techniques (e.g., immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry), techniques that involve a series of processing steps that allow for identification and visualization of protein in tissue.

10. Learn and be able to capture images of brain sections using a microscope and image capture software.

11. Assist lead investigators with the supervision of undergraduate students in the laboratory.

12. Assist lead investigators with basic administrative tasks.

13. Attend lab meetings and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner

Discipline Specific Required Qualifications

1. This research assistantship will be expected to comply with federal laws, regulations, and policies protecting the rights and safety of individuals working on NIH -funded projects.

2. Must be a 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 the weekends in some cases. Distribution of hours per week is flexible.

3. Able to work with and handle laboratory animals, following institutionally approved protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

1. 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.

2. Prior research experience and/or highly motivated to learn behavioral neuroscience research techniques.

3. Basic knowledge of research methods and statistics.

4. Ability to conduct background research and summarize literature reviews on topics relevant to behavioral neuroscience.

5. Familiarity with research and statistical software and/or highly motivated to learn how to use this type of software.

6. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

7. Demonstrated proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, & internet navigation.

8. Ability to work independently and manage many projects concurrently.

9. Ability to conduct primary research under the guidance of the lead investigator

SalaryCommensurate with experience.

Number of Vacancies1

Desired Start Date10/01/2026

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

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, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 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.

Open Date09/10/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

All applications must be submitted via the UTRGV application portal at http://careers.utrgv.edu. If you are applying for the first time, please complete all biographical information including address, email and phone. You may update this at any time by selecting to edit your profile in the application. A Criminal Background Check must be conducted for all applicants.

Quick Linkhttps://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/52495

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

• Resume

• Reference Letter 1

Optional Documents

• Reference Letter 2

• Curriculum Vitae

• Unofficial Transcripts