Lab Scientist, Orthopaedic Surgery, Hernandez Lab

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Works under general direction to perform professional level medical or scientific research assignments related to a particular or specialized field of endeavor. The Hernandez Lab studies sex differences and the effect of sex hormones in chondrocyte mechanobiology, inflammation, and metabolism. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic scientist able to work in a fast-paced project with proven training in mammalian primary cell culture, 3D culture, molecular biology (RNA isolation, qPCR, RNAseq), histology, immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy. Knowledge in musculoskeletal biology and bioengineering is a plus. The candidate will work closely with Dr. Hernandez and will have the option to learn additional techniques such as atomic force microscopy, mechanical testing, and use of bioreactors to apply mechanical stimulation to 3D culture systems. The selected candidate will have excellent communication skills, problem solving, ability to work as part of a team, as well as being productive independently. The candidate is expected to present data regularly and assist in manuscript preparation.

Requirements

• Master's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment
• 3 years of laboratory experience with Master's degree including 2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent or 4 years of laboratory experience with Bachelor's degree including 2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent.
• Mammalian primary cell culture
• 3D culture
• Molecular biology (RNA isolation, qPCR, RNAseq)
• Histology
• Immunofluorescence
• Confocal microscopy
• Excellent communication skills
• Problem solving
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Productive independently

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge in musculoskeletal biology
• Knowledge in bioengineering

Responsibilities

• Recommends and/or initiates new or modified procedures and techniques based upon latest developments in assigned field or analysis of research data.
• Performs computer programming for accumulation and analysis of research data.
• Designs, constructs, repairs, or modifies electronic and/or mechanical equipment or apparatus used in experiments and research projects.
• Instructs medical students, graduate students, residents, or other laboratory personnel of lower grade with respect to techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized in research or experiments.
• Assists principal investigator and other professional personnel in writing of reports and papers for publication.
• May provide working supervision to employees of lower grade engaged in performance of variety of difficult and complex laboratory work tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100%25 coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree