Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate II

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The position involves plant propagation, tissue culture, transformation, and genome editing expertise. The role requires establishing and maintaining pipelines for these processes in the model amphibious plant Rorippa aquatica and related species, as well as maintaining growth rooms/chambers. Responsibilities include performing histology and microscopy to examine phenotypes of transgenic/genome-edited plants, conducting molecular biology experiments for vector and plasmid construction and analysis, performing genotyping and genome sequencing, and maintaining laboratory stocks. The role also involves assisting with fundamental research operations, such as preparing solutions and media, organizing inventories, and managing purchase orders and lab equipment. Data analysis, record-keeping, and basic bioinformatics pipelines are also part of the duties. The position requires writing reports, communicating research updates, participating in lab meetings and conferences, and assisting with grant applications and manuscript submissions. Additionally, the role involves mentoring and training junior researchers in basic lab competencies and plant tissue culture techniques.

Requirements

• Masters of Science degree in a relevant field, with demonstrated hands-on experience in plant tissue culture, plant transformation and/or genome editing, maintenance and husbandry of large number of plant strains and transgenic lines.
• A Bachelor of Science degree may be considered for candidates who can demonstrate 2-4 years of directly related research experience in these areas.
• Proven ability to work in a research environment, including maintaining detailed records, managing multiple duties simultaneously, and following established protocols with precision.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to remain focused, motivated, and responsible while working both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with lab members and provide regular, clear updates to the Principal Investigator.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as vector and plasmid construction.
• Experience in microscopy and histology.
• Experience in relevant biochemical methods.
• A strong scientific foundation in plant genetic engineering.
• Ability to apply underlying scientific principles to their work.
• Maintain accurate documentation.
• Prepare routine reports.
• Actively seeks opportunities to expand their skills.
• Can learn complex tasks with general instruction.
• Uses prior experience to adapt to new techniques effectively.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a propagation, regeneration, maintenance, and transformation and genome-editing pipelines for our model amphibious plant Rorippa aquatica (and related species).
• Maintain growth rooms/chambers.
• Perform histology and microscopy to examine the phenotypes of the transgenic/genome edited plants.
• Perform molecular biology experiments to design, construct, and analyze vectors and plasmids for transformation.
• Perform genotyping, genome sequencing as required.
• Maintain and organize laboratory stocks of DNA, E.coli, yeast, and plant seeds under the supervision.
• Assist fundamental, basic tasks for the operation of molecular biology research.
• Duties include washing and sterilizing laboratory glassware and, making chemical solutions and cell/bacterial culture media, organize chemical inventories, purchase and stock chemical and consumable inventories.
• Assist Purchase Order and other lab management tasks, including maintenance of equipment related to the research.
• Read and record instrument data; tabulate data; Analyze data; keep laboratory records and Lab Notebooks with high ethical standard.
• Organize and manage data as required by the guidelines.
• Perform basic bioinformatics pipelines as required for the research project.
• Write reports, meet regularly with the PI and team members to communicate research updates; participate and present at the lab meetings and other professional scientific conferences, assist grant applications as well as manuscript submission.
• Mentor and train junior researchers (e.g. undergraduates and starting technicians) with basic lab competency tasks as well as plant tissue culture, transformation, and regeneration.

Benefits

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan (subject to position meeting minimum hour and length requirements)
• Personal protection equipment (furnished)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level