Research Assistant I, Pathology

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

1d

About The Position

The Research Assistant I works under general direction to provide skilled technical assistance for medical and scientific research. This role provides laboratory and operational support for the SPARC project, including receiving, processing, preparing, tracking, storing, retrieving, and shipping research specimens according to established protocols. The position also maintains specimen and project documentation, enters data into laboratory and research systems, and supports pre-analytical and post-analytical workflows. Additional duties include assisting with specimen inventory, laboratory supplies, storage areas, and organization of research work areas. The Research Assistant works collaboratively with investigators, laboratory personnel, research staff, couriers, and other team members while adhering to safety, confidentiality, institutional, and regulatory standards. The role requires adaptability to changing specimen volumes and project needs and includes other research-related duties as assigned.

The regular schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with flexibility to work daytime hours as needed for training, meetings, specimen processing, or other project-related activities. The position involves laboratory work, including standing for extended periods and safely lifting and moving items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

• Meet applicable UT Southwestern Research Assistant I education and experience requirements.
• Required education and experience options include 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 of assignment 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 various 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.
• Ability to routinely work Tuesday through Saturday, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with flexibility for daytime hours when project needs require.
• Ability to stand and perform laboratory-related activities for extended periods as needed.
• Ability to safely lift and move items weighing up to 25 pounds and assist with placing and retrieving specimens and storage boxes from refrigerators, freezers, and other storage areas.

Nice To Haves

• Education or experience in biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science, clinical research, or a related scientific field.
• Experience with biological specimen handling, laboratory or research workflows, data entry, specimen storage, or research databases.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to follow established protocols and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Receive, accession, process, label, aliquot, and prepare research specimens for testing, storage, or other study-related activities according to established protocols.
• Organize and maintain research specimen storage, inventory, tracking, and accurate location and disposition records.
• Prepare, package, document, and coordinate specimen shipments to outside laboratories, collaborators, or designated facilities.
• Enter and maintain specimen, testing, and research information in databases, laboratory systems, spreadsheets, and other project records.
• Support pre-analytical and post-analytical workflows, including identifying, resolving, or escalating specimen, documentation, and data discrepancies.
• Assist with organizing and maintaining research work areas, supplies, specimen storage areas, and other resources.
• Follow research protocols, laboratory procedures, safety requirements, confidentiality standards, and institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with investigators, laboratory personnel, research staff, couriers, and other team members to complete project activities efficiently.
• Adapt to changing specimen volumes, schedules, and project needs, and perform other research-related duties as assigned.
• Perform scientific and medical research work in a related scientific field.
• Construct, assemble, and operate laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Record and evaluate data obtained from assignments for use in scientific papers.
• Collaborate with a supervisor or other research personnel in preparing scientific papers for publication.
• Read scientific literature and confer with a supervisor about procedures and implementation.
• Collect and organize research data for project reports.
• May plan and provide working supervision to Research Technicians or other lower-grade laboratory personnel.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare 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
• Healthcare
• Paid holidays
• On-site childcare
• Wage and merit increases

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level