Research Assistant I, Immunology

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. The role performs research activities related to immunology, including cell culture, mouse genotyping and phenotyping, flow cytometry, PCR and DNA cloning, microscopy, immune-cell isolation, and cell-transfer experiments in mice. The position also helps maintain laboratory equipment, safety compliance, inventory, records, and supplies; collects and analyzes research data; and participates in lab meetings and data presentations. The role performs scientific and medical research work, operates laboratory equipment, records and evaluates data for scientific papers, collaborates with research personnel on publication preparation, and organizes project data. It may include providing working supervision to lower-grade research technicians or other laboratory personnel. Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and relevant experience.

Requirements

One of the following education pathways: 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; completion of two years of college with emphasis in coursework in the field of assignment; or a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
One of the following research experience pathways: one year of research experience at the Research Technician level or equivalent with a bachelor's degree; four years of research experience, including two years at the Research Technician level or equivalent, with two years of college; or six years of research experience with a high school diploma or GED equivalent, including two years at the 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.

Responsibilities

Maintain the laboratory and equipment in working and clean conditions.
Maintain laboratory compliance with safety regulations.
Collect, accurately record, and analyze data in conjunction with other research staff.
Isolate, maintain, and culture cells.
Genotype and phenotype mice.
Use, care for, and maintain animals.
Perform flow cytometric analyses.
Perform PCR and DNA cloning analyses.
Perform microscopic analyses.
Isolate immune-cell populations.
Perform cell-transfer experiments in mice.
Order reagents and materials and oversee inventory.
Maintain laboratory records, supplies, and samples in an organized manner.
Participate in lab meetings and present data.
Construct, assemble, and operate laboratory equipment and apparatus.
Record and evaluate data from work assignments for use in scientific papers.
Collaborate with a supervisor or other research personnel in preparing scientific papers for publication.
Read literature and confer with a supervisor concerning 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.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
Preventive healthcare covered at 100% with no copay
Paid time off, available day one
Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
Paid parental leave
Wellness programs
Tuition reimbursement
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer
On-site childcare
Paid holidays
Merit increases