Research Assistant II, Microbiology

UTSW; Texas; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan day one

Paid Time Off day one

Retirement Program TRS

Paid Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center seeks a Research Assistant II for the Campbell Lab in Microbiology. You will perform and supervise research tasks, set up experiments, and help manage lab operations in a high-containment setting.

The role offers training in bacterial genetics, animal models, and sequencing technologies, with opportunities for growth and collaboration within a world‑renowned center.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 2 years of college/training in histology, serology, medical technology, etc.
• Equivalent combinations of education/experience may be accepted.
• Experience in microbiology or molecular biology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, supervise, and perform research tasks within the Campbell Lab.
• Set up experiments and maintain lab equipment and protocols.
• Analyze data and prepare materials for reports or publications.
• May supervise junior staff and manage lab procurement and records.

Skills

Microbiology

Bacterial genetics

Molecular biology

Sequencing

Mouse models

BSL-2 experience

Lab management

Communication

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

2 years college/training

High school diploma

Tools

Procurement Portal

OneCard reconciliation

Lab equipment maintenance

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 either plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in assigned research projects or perform more complex research assignments requiring considerable experience and thorough knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical or scientific research.

The Campbell Lab in the Department of Microbiology at UT Southwestern studies how diarrhea‑causing bacteria colonize, spread, and cause disease in the mammalian intestine. We offer the opportunity to train in bacterial genetics, animal models of infectious disease, and next‑generation sequencing technologies. Our ultimate goal is to build the knowledge needed to protect vulnerable populations from enteric disease.

We are seeking a Research Assistant II to perform research experiments & set‑up of brand new lab. Preferred skills include hands‑on experience in microbiology, bacterial genetics, and/or molecular biology (cloning, PCR, genetic engineering of bacteria); next generation sequencing library prep and/or analysis of sequencing data (R, Python, or command‑line experience); experience with mouse models or willingness to be trained in animal work; working with bacteria under BSL‑2 conditions. Role will also require administrative tasks of lab management ordering supplies/equipment in the Procurement Portal, reconciliation of lab OneCard transactions, & maintaining equipment/service contracts. Must be able to work both independently & collaboratively in a team and have excellent communication & organization skills.

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 or
• Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
• Completion of 2 years of college or specialized training in histology, serology, medical technology, etc. or
• High School Diploma including courses in basic sciences or GED equivalent

• Experience
• 1 year of experience as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Master’s degree or
• 2 years of experience including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Bachelor’s degree or
• 5 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with two years of college or
• 7 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with High School Diploma or GED equivalent

JOB DUTIES

• Plans, coordinates, and supervises assigned research projects, which may be limited as segment of larger project, exercising responsibility for project performance and accountability for progress; and/or personally performs advanced scientific and medical research work, suggesting modifications to, or improvements in, design of research projects, presenting original ideas for follow‑up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates experimental or other special designed laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Assembles and analyzes research data.
• Assists in preparation of material for reports or publication.
• May supervise group of Research Technicians and/or Research Assistants of lower grade, making work assignments, advising on work procedures, and reviewing work in process and upon completion.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Work requires exercise of considerable judgment in application and interpretation of policy, procedures, or practices to work problems.
• Work requires extreme accuracy and precision in all phases of experimental investigation.
• Work requires thorough working knowledge of various types of equipment used in laboratory to which assigned.

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.