Research Assistant I, Neurology

UT Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas seeks a motivated Research Technician to provide skilled technical support for neuroscience and Alzheimer's disease research. The candidate will develop both technical and analytical skills in a dynamic laboratory setting, contributing to meaningful scientific discoveries.

The ideal candidate has strong organizational and communication skills, a willingness to learn animal handling techniques, and a commitment to rigorous documentation and

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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 to stay current on relevant findings.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Laboratory record-keeping

Rodent handling willingness

Data analysis basics

Education

Master's Degree in related field

Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Neuroscience/biochemistry

Two years of college with related coursework

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

PCR

RT-PCR

DNA/RNA extraction

Cloning

Plasmid preparation

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-renowned 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

• 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.

BENEFITS

• 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

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 w