Lab Scientist, Orthopaedic Surgery, Hernandez Lab

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO health plan

No copay preventive care

Paid Time Off

TRS retirement

Parental Leave

Wellness programs

Tuition Reimbursement

PSLF Qualified Employer

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas invites a motivated scientist to join the Hernandez Lab. The role involves performing professional level medical or scientific research focusing on sex differences in chondrocyte mechanobiology, inflammation, and metabolism, with hands-on work in mammalian primary cell culture, 3D culture, RNA isolation, qPCR, RNAseq, histology, immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy.

You will collaborate with Dr.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework.
• 3 years of laboratory experience with a Master’s degree including 2 years at Research Assistant II level or 4 years with a Bachelor’s including 2 years at RA II level.

Responsibilities

• Recommends and/or initiates new or modified procedures based on latest developments or data.
• Performs computer programming for accumulation and analysis of research data.
• Designs, constructs, repairs, or modifies equipment used in experiments and research projects.
• Instructs students and staff on techniques, procedures, and equipment.
• Assists in writing reports and papers for publication.
• May supervise lower-grade staff in performing complex laboratory tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Histology

Immunofluorescence

Confocal microscopy

Education

Master's Degree in relevant field

Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field

Tools

RNA isolation

qPCR

RNAseq

Atomic force microscopy

Mechanical testing

Bioreactors

Job description

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

The Hernandez Lab studies sex differences and the effect of sex hormones in chondrocyte mechanobiology, inflammation, and metabolism. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic scientist able to work in a fast-paced project with proven training in mammalian primary cell culture, 3D culture, molecular biology (RNA isolation, qPCR, RNAseq), histology, immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy.

Knowledge in musculoskeletal biology and bioengineering is a plus. The candidate will work closely with Dr. Hernandez and will have the option to learn additional techniques such as atomic force microscopy, mechanical testing, and use of bioreactors to apply mechanical stimulation to 3D culture systems.

The selected candidate will have excellent communication skills, problem solving, ability to work as part of a team, as well as being productive independently. The candidate is expected to present data regularly and assist in manuscript preparation.

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% 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

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
• Experience
  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.

JOB DUTIES

• 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.

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.