Research Associate, Neuroscience

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

1d

About The Position

Works under general direction to perform professional level medical or scientific research assignments related to particular or specialized field of endeavor.

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 Assistant, with a strong background in molecular biology and cell culture. This position provides rigorous research training and career mentorship, including pathways to Ph.D. or other advanced graduate programs at UT Southwestern for interested individuals.
A commitment of at least two years is strongly preferred.

Requirements

• Master's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
• Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment
• 3 years of laboratory experience with Master's degree including
• 2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent or
• 4 years of laboratory experience with Bachelor's degree including
• 2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• B.S. in Biology or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Two or more years of hands-on experience in molecular biology experiments
• Ability to work independently to execute established protocols
• Excellent communication, record-keeping, and strong attention to details

Responsibilities

• Support single-cell sequencing experiments by executing established protocols and maintaining high standards of data quality and reproducibility.
• Perform routine 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.
• Recommends and/or initiates new or modified procedures and techniques based upon latest developments in assigned field or analysis of research data.
• Performs computer programming for accumulation and analysis of research data.
• Designs, constructs, repairs, or modifies electronic and/or mechanical equipment or apparatus used in experiments and research projects.
• Instructs medical students, graduate students, residents, or other laboratory personnel of lower grade with respect to techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized in research or experiments.
• Assists principal investigator and other professional personnel in writing of reports and papers for publication.
• May provide working supervision to employees of lower grade engaged in performance of variety of difficult and complex laboratory work tasks.
• 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