Research Assistant I, Orthopaedic Surgery, Hernandez Lab

UT Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan

Paid Time Off (PTO) from day one

Retirement Programs through TRS

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center seeks a Research Assistant I to carry out hands-on research in the Dr. Hernandez Lab. You will perform cell culture, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology techniques in collaboration with engineers and orthopedic surgeons to study sex hormones and cartilage health.

Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and be able to work under general direction. Prior histology or bioengineering exposure is a plus, with a teamwork-focused, research-driven

Qualifications

• Education requirements include master’s or bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework.
• Experience requirements list 1 year of research at technician level or 4 years with more extensive coursework.
• Knowledge in cell culture, microscopy, and molecular biology is expected.

Responsibilities

• Perform scientific and medical research tasks in biology, chemistry, or related fields.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Document data for project reports and publications.
• Collaborate with supervisors and other researchers on publications.
• Read literature and discuss procedures with supervisors.
• Potentially supervise lower-grade laboratory staff.

Skills

Cell culture

Confocal microscopy

Molecular biology

Education

Master's Degree in field of assignment

Bachelor's Degree in field of assignment

High School Diploma or GED

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!

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. The Dr. Hernandez Lab explores structural, cellular, and mechanobiological aspects of sexual dimorphism and sex hormones in cartilage health and osteoarthritis. Working in close collaboration with engineers and orthopedic surgeons, our research examines how sex-specific differences in the knee joint may contribute to higher incidence and severity of osteoarthritis in women later in life. Our research team also investigates the role hormones play in the production of cartilage extracellular and pericellular matrices throughout the lifespan. We use atomic force microscopy to measure the nanomechanical properties of cells and tissues, and bioreactors to investigate chondrocyte mechanotransduction. We are searching for a Research Assistant I. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in cell culture, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology, and have excellent communication skills. Additionally, preferred skills are histology, tissue sectioning, and knowledge or experience working in bioengineering. Knowledge in tissue mechanics and musculoskeletal biology is a plus.

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
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

Required

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 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.

Primary Location

Texas-Dallas-5323 Harry Hines Blvd

Work Locations

5323 Harry Hines Blvd

Job

Research & Laboratory

Organization

420000 - OS-Department Administration

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day Job

Employee Status

Regular

Job Type

Standard

Job Posting

Sep 16, 2026, 2:28:43 AM