Research Assistant/ Laboratory Technician

📍 Location: Brownsville, TX | 🏥 Site Name: Headlands Horizon LLC - Brownsville | 🕒 Full-Time | 🧪 Clinical Research

Are you an experienced clinical research professional with a passion for advancing medicine? Join a leading, integrated clinical research network dedicated to high-quality data, patient-centered care, and innovation in clinical trials.

We’re seeking a Research Assistant/ Laboratory Technician for our clinical research site located in Brownsville, TX.

Type:  Regular Full-time Employee

Schedule:  Mondays through Fridays, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location:  Onsite in Brownsville, TX (no capabilities for remote or hybrid work)

Reports to:  Site Director

Benefits:  Our benefits package for full-time employees includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Paid Time Off (PTO), a variety of disability, accident, and life insurance options, as well as many more.

💼 What We Offer

Competitive pay + annual performance incentives

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off (PTO) and company holidays

A mission-driven culture focused on advancing medicine and improving patient outcomes

🚀 Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a growing, mission-driven organization that values its people. At our core, we’re committed to bringing innovative medical treatments to patients faster—while creating an environment where employees thrive. If you’re passionate about clinical research and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

Own the Lab Operations: Take the lead on day-to-day lab activities, ensuring everything runs smoothly, safely, and on schedule. Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready lab environment. Manage lab inventory, supplies, and kit preparation across multiple studies.

Perform & Expand Clinical Skills: Perform phlebotomy, specimen collection, and processing (centrifuging, aliquoting, labeling). Conduct point-of-care testing (e.g., urine drug screens, pregnancy tests). Assist with patient visits, including vital signs, ECGs, and study-related procedures. Support more advanced clinical activities over time, including infusion monitoring under supervision.

Drive Accuracy & Compliance: Handle specimen shipping (IATA guidelines) and maintain detailed logs and documentation. Record lab data accurately in electronic systems (eCRFs, CRIO, etc.). Ensure compliance with GCP, OSHA, HIPAA, and study protocols. Support audit readiness and quality control efforts.

Be a Key Partner to the Research Team: Work closely with coordinators, investigators, and clinical staff to support study visits. Help ensure each patient visit runs efficiently and according to protocol. Step in to support broader research activities when needed.

Requirements:

Certified phlebotomist within the state of Texas required

Highly proficient in venipuncture with the ability to independently perform draws and effectively navigate challenging sticks

Experience working with diverse patient populations; geriatric experience [[a plus/required]]

Familiarity with medical terminology and basic laboratory procedures

Comfort working with lab equipment, documentation, and regulated processes

Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple responsibilities at once

Proficiency with basic computer systems (Excel, Outlook, EMRs, or similar tools)

Comfortable using multiple electronic data entry systems

A team-first mindset with a willingness to jump in wherever needed

Strong attention to detail, time management, and ability to work in a fast-paced, regulated environment

Excellent interpersonal skills—you’ll be interacting with participants, providers, and sponsors

Passion for improving patient outcomes through research

Bonus points for:

Clinical research experience

Experience handling specimen processing, shipping, or lab inventory

Interest in growing into a Clinical Research Coordinator or lab leadership role