Research Assistant II, Microbiology

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

5d

About The Position

Works under general direction to either plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in assigned research projects or perform more complex research assignments requiring considerable experience and thorough knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical or scientific research.

Position will focus on bacterial-phage interactions involving handling of bacterial & phage cultures, high-throughput microbiology, extensive molecular biology (e.g. molecular cloning, DNA extractions, sequencing). Other responsibilities related to lab management (maintaining media stocks, inventories, etc.), ordering lab supplies using PeopleSoft Procurement Portal, reconciliation of lab OneCard transactions, and maintaining equipment/service contracts.
Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, transformation, aseptic technique, and handling bacterial cultures is required. Experience working with phages is preferred. Biochemistry experience is preferred. Participation in lab meetings & presentation of data is required.
Must have excellent communication skills, work well in a team, and meticulous attention to detail is essential. Organizational skills in recordkeeping, multitasking, prioritizing responsibilities, time management are requirements.

Requirements

• Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, transformation, aseptic technique, and handling bacterial cultures is required.
• Must have excellent communication skills
• Must work well in a team
• Meticulous attention to detail is essential.
• Organizational skills in recordkeeping, multitasking, prioritizing responsibilities, time management are requirements.
• Master's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
• Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
• Completion of 2 years of college or specialized training in histology, serology, medical technology, etc. or
• High School Diploma including courses in basic sciences or GED equivalent
• 1 year of experience as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Master's degree or
• 2 years of experience including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Bachelor's degree or
• 5 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with two years of college or
• 7 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with phages is preferred.
• Biochemistry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and supervises assigned research projects, which may be limited as segment of larger project, exercising responsibility for project performance and accountability for progress; and/or personally performs advanced scientific and medical research work, suggesting modifications to, or improvements in, design of research projects, presenting original ideas for follow-up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates experimental or other special designed laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Assembles and analyzes research data.
• Assists in preparation of material for reports or publication.
• May supervise group of Research Technicians and/or Research Assistants of lower grade, making work assignments, advising on work procedures, and reviewing work in process and upon completion.
• 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: Entry Level