Lab Technician/Research Assistant

University of Texas at Dallas; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 375,757 - 450,082; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Dallas seeks a Lab Technician for the Brain Circuits Laboratory to support aging, neurodegeneration, and computational neuroscience projects. The role includes coordinating with human subjects, scheduling, record-keeping, and data analysis using brain imaging tools.

Proficiency with Unix and coding in Python, R, or MATLAB is required, along with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with at least two years of hands-on laboratory experience.
• Background in brain imaging, computational neuroscience, or biophysics preferred.
• Ability to code in Python, R, or MATLAB; familiarity with Unix-based workflows.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for the laboratories and equipment.
• Schedule, record-keep, and coordinate with human subjects as part of studies.
• Manage data analysis, brain imaging, and multivariate image analysis workflows.
• Supervise undergraduate researchers and assist with training.

Skills

Unix proficiency

Brain aging research

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Ethical research conduct

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

Brain imaging software

Job description

Job Summary

The Brain Circuits Laboratory, led by Drs. Steven Small and Ana Solodkin, is seeking a highly motivated Lab Technician with a strong interest in brain aging, neurodegeneration, and computational neuroscience. The position emphasizes research on macro-scale and multi-scale dynamic connectivity.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for supporting the administrative aspects of research studies, including scheduling, record-keeping, and coordination with human subjects. Proficiency with the Unix operating system is required, along with the ability to use brain imaging and network analysis software tools and to code in Python, R, and/or MATLAB.

Strong problem-solving abilities, sound judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills are essential for effectively troubleshooting, planning equipment and resource utilization, and interacting with lab members as well as older adult research participants.

The laboratory is located in the joint UT Dallas / UT Southwestern Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building (TI-BMES) on the campus of UT Southwestern. Address: 2336 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75235.

The continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funds.

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate degree with a minimum of two years hands on experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Candidates with a strong background in brain imaging, computational neuroscience, and/or biophysics.

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for the laboratories
• Running a laboratory (i.e., scheduling, record-keeping, etc.) and interacting with human subjects
• Manage data analysis, brain imaging, multivariate image analysis
• Help manage undergraduate research assistants
• Other duties as assigned

Specific Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of human clinical research, cognitive and motor testing, and brain imaging
• Ability to perform brain imaging analysis, including scripting and coding
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Ability to conduct research activities and make decisions according to ethical standards

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Attendance at the TI-BMES building on the UTSW campus
• Training to safely work with MRI scanners

Remote Work

Intermittently possible but not consistent

Travel

Some travel to the Brain Health Imaging Center - 2200 W Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235

What We Can Offer

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options - including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Long and short-term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

Position Details

• Salary Range: $37,000, DOQ
• Pay Basis: Monthly
• Position Status: Regular full-time
• Location: Dallas

Important Message

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.