The posting
Job Description
Join a federally funded clinical and translational research laboratory conducting active human subjects research across a portfolio that spans immune resilience, biological aging, military performance, infection, asthma, exercise physiology, heat stress, and trauma. The laboratory’s work generates data that supports ongoing scientific investigation and published research in multispecialty journals. The Medical Assistant will perform clinical duties in direct support of the laboratory’s human subjects studies.
This position may be filled by candidates with Medical Assistant certification (CMA or RMA) and by candidates with a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related scientific field whose background supports the clinical scope of the role.
Reporting to the physician Principal Investigator, the Medical Assistant will carry out the clinical procedures and documentation activities that support the laboratory’s active research protocols. Core responsibilities include performing phlebotomy for research biospecimen collection, obtaining and documenting vital signs including blood pressure, performing chart reviews to support participant screening and study documentation, preparing participants for study visits, assisting with physiological monitoring during experimental sessions, collecting and processing biological specimens in accordance with established protocols, sterilizing and maintaining research equipment, maintaining research and examination areas, and performing accurate documentation of participant information, clinical observations, and study-related records in accordance with physician direction, study protocols, institutional policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
The Medical Assistant works alongside the Principal Investigator, co-investigators, research coordinators, and the broader clinical research team. The role offers substantive engagement with the operational conduct of federally funded clinical research and with the clinical procedures that support the laboratory’s scientific work.
Responsibilities
- The lab is currently engaged in exciting, state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary projects focused on infection, aging, asthma, and exercise, and job duties are aligned with these research initiatives.
- Intakes patients by obtaining vital signs and weight.
- Obtains history, chief complaint, medications, allergies and documents appropriately in the EMR.
- Report all pertinent findings to Physicians.
- Manages patient appointments according to the Physician's schedules and protocols.
- Answers messages from patients by clinic policy.
- Handle all medication refills or request via clinic policy.
- Prepares charts as necessary for next scheduled clinic, provide physician with all necessary test results, lab results and medical records as requested.
- Communicate all necessary patient information to physician in a timely manner.
- Handles and answers external as well as internal phone calls and assists in department call center transferring calls to the appropriate departments.
- Provides in-service training and precepts Medical Assistants.
- Participates in developing best practices in clinical workflows.
- Performs Point of Care Testing (POCT), documents and reports clinical findings to Registered Nurse (RN) in charge and/or Provider.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Supports the mission, vision and patient promise throughout all interactions.
- Communicates effectively, written and verbally.
- Possess analytical thinking – this role requires analyzing information and using logic to coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner.
- Participates as an integral part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team in providing the highest quality of care to the patient the UT Health Way.
- Knowledge of EPIC software; may be required to be EPIC super user.
- Meets all training and competency requirements.
Education:
- HS Graduate or Equivalent is required.
- Completion of an MA program is highly preferred.
Experience:
- Five (5) years of directly-related experience as a Medical Assistant is required.
Licenses & Certifications:
- CPR AED First Aid Certification required.
- CMA Certified Medical Assistant required.
About Us
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture.
Benefits Overview
UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.
Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.
Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.
Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.
Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.
FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.
Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:
- Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
- Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
- Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
- Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.
Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.
EEO Statement
UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
