Research Assistant I, Neurology

UT Southwestern; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan

Paid Time Off

Retirement Programs

Paid Parental Leave Benefit

Wellness programs

Tuition Reimbursement

PSLF Qualified Employer

Job summary

UT Southwestern is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Research Technician to support neuroscience and Alzheimer's disease research. The role offers opportunities to develop a broad range of laboratory techniques within a collaborative, high-impact environment.

The ideal candidate will contribute to translational science projects, maintain rigorous records, and work both independently and as part of a team in a state-of-the-art laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Requires Master’s degree or Bachelor's degree with relevant coursework and no experience or 2–6 years depending on level.
• Prior laboratory research experience through coursework, internships, or employment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and data recording.

Responsibilities

• Performs difficult scientific and medical research work in biology, chemistry, physics, or related fields.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records and evaluates data for scientific papers.
• Collaborates with supervisors to prepare papers for publication.
• Reads literature and discusses procedures with supervisors.
• Collects and organizes research data for project reports.
• May supervise junior staff or technicians.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Laboratory techniques

Education

Master's degree (biology or related field)

Bachelor's degree (biology or related field)

Tools

PCR

RT-PCR

DNA/RNA extraction

Gel electrophoresis

Immunohistochemistry

ELISA

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-respected medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the No. 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative individual with a strong interest in neuroscience, Alzheimer's disease research, and translational science. The ideal candidate is eager to develop both technical and analytical research skills in a dynamic laboratory environment and is committed to contributing to meaningful scientific discoveries.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physiology, or a related scientific field.
• Prior laboratory research experience through academic coursework, internships, research programs, or employment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate records and following established laboratory protocols.
• Experience working with rodent models or a willingness to learn animal handling techniques.
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including PCR, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, plasmid preparation, and gel electrophoresis.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, ELISA, immunoassays, or related biochemical techniques.
• Familiarity with data analysis, graphing software, and basic statistical methods.
• Experience maintaining laboratory inventories, equipment, and research records.
• Interest in pursuing a long-term research experience

Key Attributes

• Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for scientific discovery.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving research needs.
• Dedication to maintaining high standards of research integrity and reproducibility.
• This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Alzheimer's disease research, develop a broad range of laboratory techniques, and contribute to studies that advance our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. Candidates interested in pursuing graduate school, medical school, or a long-term research career are strongly encouraged to apply.

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; Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment; 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; 4 years Research experience including two years at level of Research Technician or equivalent with 2 years of college; 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Work requires good working knowledge of various types of equipment used in laboratory to which assigned.
• Work requires accuracy and precision in all phases of experimental investigation.
• Work requires exercise of moderate judgment in application of procedures and practices to work problems.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Physical Requirements

• Handling
• Repetitive Motions
• Sitting
• Standing

Working Conditions

• Hazards
• Laboratory Setting

Salary Information

Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and relevant experience.

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.