Research Assistant I, Neuroscience

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 

JOB SUMMARY
Works under general direction to provide responsible and skilled technical assistance in performing assignments requiring experience and good knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical and 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 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.

Preferred candidates will have:

• 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
• A commitment of at least two years is strongly preferred.

Lab duties:

• 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.

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• 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
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education
  Master's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required or 
  Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or 
  Completion of 2 years of college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment or 
  High School Diploma or GED equivalent 
   

• Experience
  1 year Research experience at level of Research Technician or equivalent with Bachelor's degree or 
  4 years Research experience including two years at level of Research Technician or equivalent with 2 years of college or 
  6 years Research experience with High School Diploma or GED equivalent including 
  2 years at level of Research Technician or equivalent. 
   

JOB DUTIES

• Performs more difficult scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records and evaluates data obtained from work assignments for use in scientific papers.
• Collaborates with supervisor or other research personnel in preparation of scientific papers for publication.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning procedures and implementation.
• Collects and organizes research data for project reports.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of Research Technicians or other laboratory personnel of lower grade.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.