Research Assistant II, Internal Medicine

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 either plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in assigned research projects or perform more complex research assignments requiring considerable experience and thorough knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical or scientific research. 

The Tu Lab in the Division of Cardiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated research assistant II to join a dynamic, collegial, and collaborative research environment. Our lab focuses on applying stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and state-of-the-art multi-omics approaches to understand the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and develop precision medicine strategies.

We are deeply committed to the career development of all trainees and provide strong mentorship in both technical and professional skills. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in cutting-edge cardiovascular and stem cell research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the development, submission, and maintenance of IACUC animal protocols.
• Establish and manage mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and record keeping.
• Perform genotyping of genetically modified mouse strains.
• Conduct CRISPR-based genome editing in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines.
• Perform molecular biology assays such as PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.
• Differentiate and characterize stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes and other relevant cell types.
• Maintain detailed and organized experimental records and contribute to laboratory operations.

Training and Career Development
This position is central to the success of the lab and offers extensive opportunities to learn advanced techniques in:

• Stem cell biology and genome engineering
• Cardiac physiology and disease modeling
• Tissue engineering and engineered heart tissues
• Molecular and cellular biology
• Professional development, scientific communication, and career planning

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 or 
  Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or 
  Completion of 2 years of college or specialized training in histology, serology, medical technology, etc. or 
  High School Diploma including courses in basic sciences or GED equivalent 
   

• Experience
  1 year of experience as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Master's degree or 
  2 years of experience including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Bachelor's degree or 
  5 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with two years of college or 
  7 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with High School Diploma or GED equivalent 
   

JOB DUTIES

• Plans, coordinates, and supervises assigned research projects, which may be limited as segment of larger project, exercising responsibility for project performance and accountability for progress; and/or personally performs advanced scientific and medical research work, suggesting modifications to, or improvements in, design of research projects, presenting original ideas for follow-up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates experimental or other special designed laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Assembles and analyzes research data.
• Assists in preparation of material for reports or publication.
• May supervise group of Research Technicians and/or Research Assistants of lower grade, making work assignments, advising on work procedures, and reviewing work in process and upon completion.
• 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.