Research Associate

UT Dallas

Richardson (TX)

On-site

USD 52,000 - 70,000

Full time

8 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – ,

AD&D Insurance

Dental & Vision Plan Options

Optional Long and Short-term Disabled

TRS Retirement Plan

Fertility Benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

UT Dallas is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Biomedical Micro Devices and Nanotechnology Lab to lead development of diagnostic biosensors. You will guide the end-to-end biomarker discovery pipeline and sensor engineering, from molecular selection to validation.

Key duties include aptamer discovery via SELEX, LC/MS biomarker characterization, and integrating aptamers into electrochemical sensor platforms, along with independent assay development for multiple biomarkers.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in a related field required or in progress with evidence of expected conferral.
Independent design and execution of advanced biomarker assays.
Experience with aptamer selection, characterization, and sensor integration.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct advanced experiments to discover novel aptamers and quantify biomarkers.
Perform SELEX cycles including library prep, selection, and amplification.
Conduct LC/MS analysis to identify/validate biomarkers in biological fluids.
Evaluate complex data: mass spectra, Kd values, and sensor performance metrics.
Operate LC-MS/MS, electrochemical workstations, and sequencing platforms to optimize sensor sensitivity and specificity.
Ensure rigorous QC and statistical validation of findings.

Skills

Aptamer discovery & SELEX

Biomarker analysis

Sensor design & engineering

Assay development

Education

Ph.D in a related field

Ph.D in engineering or related fields

Tools

LC/MS

LC-MS/MS systems

Electrochemical workstations

High-throughput sequencing platforms

Job description

Biomedical Micro Devices and Nanotechnology Lab seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher to spearhead the development of innovative diagnostic biosensors. The successful candidate will focus on the end-to-end pipeline of biomarker discovery and sensor engineering, from molecular selection to high-fidelity analytical validation.

Key responsibilities and required expertise include:

Aptamer Discovery & SELEX : Mastery of SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) methodologies to identify, select, and optimize high-affinity DNA / RNA aptamers for novel biomarker targets. Experience in post- SELEX characterization (e.g., determining Kd values) is essential.
Biomarker Analysis (LC/MS): Proficiency in using LC/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) to characterize and quantify biomarkers within complex biological matrices such as sweat, saliva, or blood, facilitating the transition from discovery to detection.
Sensor Design & Engineering: A strong understanding of biochemistry and materials chemistry to integrate custom-developed aptamers into functional biosensor platforms (e.g., electrochemical).

Assay Development: The ability to independently design and execute complex, novel assay protocols for multiple biomarkers, ensuring robustness and sensitivity in real-world samples.

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D in a related field.

Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred Education and Experience

PhD in engineering or related fields

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Plan, conduct, and direct a wide variety of advanced experiments focusing on the discovery of novel aptamers and the quantification of biomarkers.
Execute SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) cycles, including library preparation, selection, and amplification, to develop high-affinity DNA / RNA aptamers.
Perform high-resolution LC/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analysis to identify and validate biomarkers extracted from diverse biological fluids (e.g., sweat, saliva, or interstitial fluid).
Responsible for the evaluation and interpretation of complex research data, including mass spectrometry spectra, binding affinity constants (Kd), and sensor performance metrics.
Conduct experiments using advanced analytical equipment, such as LC-MS/MS systems, electrochemical workstations, and high-throughput sequencing platforms, applying complex methodologies to optimize sensor sensitivity and specificity.
Plan and execute the details of experiments according to specific research protocols, ensuring rigorous quality control and statistical validation of all findings.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Activities

Working Conditions

Additional Information

This is a temporary 1-year position, renewable up to 2 years, pending funding availability and satisfactory performance. Work is conducted on-site and in-person What We Can Offer UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including:

BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
AD&D Insurance
Dental & Vision Plan Options
Optional Long and Short-term Disability
TRS Retirement Plan
Fertility Benefits
Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program. Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information. About Us UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW ) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities. Let us be your employer of choice! # WHOOSH

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