Research Assistant II, Microbiology

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Campbell Lab in the Department of Microbiology at UT Southwestern studies how diarrhea-causing bacteria colonize, spread, and cause disease in the mammalian intestine. The lab offers training in bacterial genetics, animal models of infectious disease, and next-generation sequencing technologies, with the goal of developing knowledge to protect vulnerable populations from enteric disease. The Research Assistant II works under general direction to plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in research projects, or to perform complex research assignments requiring considerable experience and knowledge of techniques and practices in the assigned field. This role will perform research experiments and help set up a new laboratory. It also includes lab-management administration, such as ordering supplies and equipment through the Procurement Portal, reconciling lab OneCard transactions, and maintaining equipment and service contracts.

Requirements

One year of experience as a Research Assistant I or equivalent with a master's degree; or two years of experience, including one year as a Research Assistant I or equivalent, with a bachelor's degree; or five years of experience, including one year as a Research Assistant I or equivalent, with two years of college; or seven years of experience, including one year as a Research Assistant I or equivalent, with a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Education in the field of assignment through a master's degree, bachelor's degree, two years of college or specialized training, or a high school diploma with basic science coursework or GED equivalent.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Considerable judgment in applying and interpreting policies, procedures, or practices to work problems.
Extreme accuracy and precision in all phases of experimental investigation.
Thorough working knowledge of laboratory equipment relevant to the assigned laboratory.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience in microbiology, bacterial genetics, and/or molecular biology, including cloning, PCR, or genetic engineering of bacteria.
Next-generation sequencing library preparation and/or sequencing data analysis experience, including R, Python, or command-line experience.
Experience with mouse models or willingness to be trained in animal work.
Experience working with bacteria under BSL-2 conditions.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in assigned research projects, or perform complex research assignments.
Perform research experiments and assist with setting up a new laboratory.
Suggest modifications or improvements to research project designs, propose follow-up studies, and recommend techniques or procedures to achieve desired results.
Construct, assemble, and operate experimental or other specially designed laboratory apparatus and equipment.
Assemble and analyze research data.
Assist in preparing material for reports or publication.
Order lab supplies and equipment through the Procurement Portal.
Reconcile lab OneCard transactions.
Maintain equipment and service contracts.
May supervise lower-grade Research Technicians or Research Assistants, assign work, advise on procedures, and review work.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PPO medical plan, available on day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage.
100% coverage for preventive healthcare with no copay.
Paid time off, available on 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.
Paid holidays.
On-site childcare.
Merit increases.