Research Assistant II, Neuroscience

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.

The Shixuan Liu lab in the Neuroscience Department at UT Southwestern brings together molecular, cellular, and systems approaches to study biological clocks, metabolism, and primate biology. We have opportunities for projects spanning genetics, single-cell omics, disease modeling, behavior studies, and data science. Please visit our lab website for more details: https://labs.utsouthwestern.edu/liu-shixuan-lab.
We are seeking a highly motivated and responsible Research Associate I, with a strong background in molecular biology and cell culture.

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

• B.S. in Biology or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Extensive training in molecular biology with a minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to execute, troubleshoot, and optimize experimental workflows
• Excellent communication, record-keeping, and strong attention to details
• Establish, and maintain molecular biology and sequencing workflows, including single-cell sequencing pipelines, to support ongoing and new research projects.
• Lead routine and advanced molecular biology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, sequencing library preparation, and plasmid design, construction, and preparation.
• Contribute to the design and execution of research projects, with opportunities to develop and lead independent or semi-independent projects as experience and interests align.
• Support general laboratory operations, including inventory management, ordering reagents and consumables, coordinating with vendors and core facilities, and maintaining shared equipment.
• Train and mentor junior lab members in established protocols, best practices, and data quality standards.

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