Research Assistant I, Immunology

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan

100% preventive care coverage

Paid Time Off—day one

TRS retirement programs

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

PSLF-qualified employer

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center is seeking a Research Assistant I to support immunology research in the Yao lab. The role involves hands-on work with mice, data collection, and collaboration on cancer immunology projects related to antiviral and anti-tumor T cell responses.

Experience in mouse handling and basic molecular assays is preferred; opportunities include growth, safety training, and a strong benefits package at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; coursework emphasized in assignment area.
• 1 year Research experience (or 4 years if only an associate level) in a lab setting.
• Experience with mouse handling and basic molecular and cell biology techniques is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform and assist in scientific and medical research in biology, chemistry, or related fields.
• Construct, assemble, and operate laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Record, analyze, and report data for scientific papers and publications.
• Collaborate with supervisors and staff on project reports and manuscripts.
• Maintain organized lab records, samples, and supplies; participate in lab meetings.

Skills

Mouse handling

Flow cytometry

Molecular cloning

Data analysis

Education

Master's Degree with field coursework

Bachelor's Degree with field coursework

2 years of college in field coursework

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Genotyping

Phenotyping mice

Laboratory equipment

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 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.

A Research Assistant I position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Chen Yao, in the department of Immunology at UT Southwestern Medical Center to study anti-viral and anti-tumor T cell responses. Our laboratory (https://labs.utsouthwestern.edu/yao-lab) has several exciting projects related to cancer immunology and cancer immunotherapy. Experience in mouse handling, immunoflourescence, and molecular assays is preferred but not required.

• Maintain the laboratory and equipment in working and clean conditions.
• Maintain laboratory compliance to safety regulations.
• Collects, accurately records and analyzes data in conjunction with other research staff.
• Genotype and phenotype mice.
• Use, care and maintenance of animals.
• Perform experiments in mice.
• Maintains laboratory records, supplies, samples in an organized manner.
• Take part in lab meetings.
• Perform other tasks, as needed.

Experience in mouse handling, flow cytometry and molecular cloning is preferred but not required.

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
• 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.