Research Associate, Biochemistry

UT Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas is seeking a Research Associate for the Chen Lab, focusing on chemical biology, biochemistry and cell biology. The lab builds small organic molecules and applies photochemical tools to study biological systems.

The position prefers candidates with a Ph.D. and strong publication record. The role emphasizes rigorous experimentation, data analysis, and collaboration with students and staff within a renowned medical center.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree with major coursework in field of assignment or Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in field of assignment.
• 3 years of laboratory experience with Master’s degree including 2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent or 4 years with Bachelor’s including 2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Recommends and/or initiates new or modified procedures and techniques based upon latest developments in assigned field or analysis of research data.
• Performs computer programming for accumulation and analysis of research data.
• Designs, constructs, repairs, or modifies electronic and/or mechanical equipment or apparatus used in experiments and research projects.
• Instructs students and residents in techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized in research or experiments.
• Assists principal investigator and other professionals in writing reports and papers for publication.
• May provide working supervision to employees of lower grade engaged in performance of difficult laboratory work tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lab experience

Research experience

Data analysis

Education

Master's Degree in relevant field

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field

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 perform professional level medical or scientific research assignments related to particular or specialized field of endeavor. The Chen lab is interested in building small organic molecules and studying their functions in biological systems. Our lab started in 2004 using state-of-the-art tools to address challenging issues in the field of natural product synthesis. We focused on applying single-electron transfer and photochemistry to strategic C-C bond formation and completed the syntheses of nakiterpiosin, dibromophakellstatin, sceptrin, ageliferin, massadine, and axinellamines. We also worked on providing new transition-metal and photochemical tools to establish C-C and C-X bonds in challenging settings. We are currently building a new platform to support unorthodox catalyst development. The Chen lab is seeking a Research Associate with experience in chemical biology, biochemistry, and cell biology. Candidates with a Ph.D. are preferred.

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 or Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment
• Experience 3 years of laboratory experience with Master's degree including 2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent or 4 years of laboratory experience with Bachelor's degree including 2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent.

Job Duties

• Recommends and/or initiates new or modified procedures and techniques based upon latest developments in assigned field or analysis of research data.
• Performs computer programming for accumulation and analysis of research data.
• Designs, constructs, repairs, or modifies electronic and/or mechanical equipment or apparatus used in experiments and research projects.
• Instructs medical students, graduate students, residents, or other laboratory personnel of lower grade with respect to techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized in research or experiments.
• Assists principal investigator and other professional personnel in writing of reports and papers for publication.
• May provide working supervision to employees of lower grade engaged in performance of variety of difficult and complex laboratory work tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

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

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Physical Requirements

• Repetitive Motions
• Sitting
• Standing

Working Conditions

• Hospital Setting
• 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.

Primary Location

Texas-Dallas-5323 Harry Hines Blvd

Work Locations

5323 Harry Hines Blvd

Job

Research & Laboratory

Organization

350007 - BY-Lab Chen

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day Job

Employee Status

Regular

Job Type

Standard

Job Posting

Oct 9, 2026, 6:50:25 PM