Research Assistant I, Internal Medicine

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Research Assistant I works under general direction to provide skilled technical assistance for medical and scientific research. This position supports Visit 4 and Visit 5 activities for the Dallas Heart Study, including in-person diabetes-focused research visits for approximately 1,500 participants per visit cycle. Study activities include using continuous glucose monitoring to assess glucose patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors in participants with and without diabetes. The role processes research biospecimens, including blood and urine, to prepare plasma, serum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells for storage and future research. Work includes specimen receipt, processing, aliquoting, cryopreservation, inventory management, and following laboratory protocols and quality-control procedures. The position also performs research work, operates laboratory equipment, records and organizes data, and may provide working supervision to lower-grade laboratory personnel.

Requirements

Meet one of the listed education and research experience combinations: a master's degree with major coursework in the field of assignment and no experience; a bachelor's degree with major coursework in the field and one year of research experience at Research Technician level or equivalent; two years of college with emphasis in relevant coursework and four years of research experience, including two years at Research Technician level or equivalent; or a high school diploma or GED and six years of research experience, including two years at Research Technician level or equivalent.
Good working knowledge of the types of equipment used in the assigned laboratory.
Accuracy and precision in all phases of experimental investigation.
Ability to exercise moderate judgment in applying procedures and practices to work problems.

Nice To Haves

Experience with biospecimen processing.
Experience with wet laboratory techniques.
Experience with REDCap data management.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

Support Visit 4 and Visit 5 activities for the Dallas Heart Study, including in-person diabetes-focused research visits.
Process blood and urine research biospecimens to isolate and prepare plasma, serum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells for storage and future research use.
Receive, process, aliquot, cryopreserve, and inventory research specimens in accordance with established laboratory protocols and quality-control procedures.
Perform scientific and medical research work in biology, chemistry, physics, or another related scientific field.
Construct, assemble, and operate laboratory equipment and apparatus.
Record and evaluate data obtained from work assignments for use in scientific papers.
Collaborate with supervisors and other research personnel in preparing scientific papers for publication.
Read scientific literature and consult with a supervisor concerning procedures and implementation.
Collect and organize research data for project reports.
May plan for and provide working supervision to Research Technicians or other lower-grade laboratory personnel.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage.
Preventive healthcare coverage at 100% with 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.
On-site childcare.
Paid holidays.
Merit increases.