Research Assistant I, Orthopaedic Surgery, Hernandez Lab

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Works under general direction to provide responsible and skilled technical assistance in performing assignments requiring experience and good knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical and scientific research. The Dr. Hernandez Lab explores structural, cellular, and mechanobiological aspects of sexual dimorphism and sex hormones in cartilage health and osteoarthritis. Working in close collaboration with engineers and orthopedic surgeons, our research examines how sex-specific differences in the knee joint may contribute to higher incidence and severity of osteoarthritis in women later in life. Our research team also investigates the role hormones play in the production of cartilage extracellular and pericellular matrices throughout the lifespan. We use atomic force microscopy to measure the nanomechanical properties of cells and tissues, and bioreactors to investigate chondrocyte mechanotransduction. We are searching for a Research Assistant I. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in cell culture, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology, and have excellent communication skills. Additionally, preferred skills are histology, tissue sectioning, and knowledge or experience working in bioengineering. Knowledge in tissue mechanics and musculoskeletal biology is a plus.

Requirements

• Master's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required or Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or Completion of 2 years of college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment or High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• 1 year Research experience at level of Research Technician or equivalent with Bachelor's degree or 4 years Research experience including two years at level of Research Technician or equivalent with 2 years of college or 6 years Research experience with High School Diploma or GED equivalent including 2 years at level of Research Technician or equivalent.
• Proven experience in cell culture, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology.
• Excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Histology
• Tissue sectioning
• Knowledge or experience working in bioengineering
• Knowledge in tissue mechanics
• Knowledge in musculoskeletal biology

Responsibilities

• Performs more difficult scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records and evaluates data obtained from work assignments for use in scientific papers.
• Collaborates with supervisor or other research personnel in preparation of scientific papers for publication.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning procedures and implementation.
• Collects and organizes research data for project reports.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of Research Technicians or other laboratory personnel of lower grade.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED