Research Technician I, Internal Medicine

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

About The Position

Works under general supervision to provide routine technical assistance in assignments requiring basic knowledge of fundamental techniques and practices in a scientific field. The Langsjoen Laboratory at UT Southwestern Medical Center seeks a motivated, detail-oriented Research Technician to support studies of RNA virus biology and host–virus interactions. The laboratory investigates how RNA viruses replicate, recombine, and generate novel RNA species during infection, and develops approaches to identify, characterize, and manipulate viral RNAs in living systems. The technician will contribute to ongoing projects and help develop methodologies for studying RNA dynamics in infected cells. Duties may include molecular work, maintaining cell cultures, assisting with viral assays, and general laboratory maintenance. The position assists with basic, routine, and least-complex experimental procedures as prescribed by a supervisor, assembles and operates laboratory equipment and apparatus, records data using established methods, discusses results with the supervisor, and modifies procedures as instructed. Other duties may be assigned. Required education is either completion of two years of college or specialized training in histology, medical technology, or a relevant field, or a high school diploma/GED with basic science coursework. Required experience is one year as a Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent with two years of college, or three years of laboratory experience, including two years as a Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent, with a high school diploma/GED.

Requirements

Completion of two years of college or specialized training in histology, medical technology, or a relevant field; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED with basic science coursework such as physics, chemistry, or biology.
One year of experience as a Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent with completion of two years of college; alternatively, three years of laboratory experience, including two years as a Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent, with a high school diploma or GED.
Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to work independently while maintaining careful attention to detail and communication.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mammalian cell culture.
Experience with molecular methods, including RNA/DNA extraction and PCR.
Experience with bacteria culture.
Experience with basic virology techniques such as plaque assays and viral infection.
Experience with chemical modification of nucleic acids or basic organic synthesis techniques.

Responsibilities

Assist with experiments and research problems in fields such as physiology, bacteriology, tissue culture, chemistry, and related areas by performing basic, routine, and least-complex procedures as prescribed by a supervisor.
Support research on RNA virus biology and host–virus interactions, including projects studying viral replication, recombination, and RNA dynamics in infected cells.
Perform molecular work, maintain cell cultures, and assist with viral assays.
Assist in developing methodologies to study RNA dynamics in infected cells.
Perform general laboratory maintenance.
Assemble and/or operate laboratory equipment and apparatus.
Record data in accordance with established methods.
Confer with the supervisor about results and modify procedures as instructed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

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