Research Associate - Molecular Biologist

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 62,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Research Associate in Molecular Biology to lead NIH-funded molecular biology research projects. The role involves independent experimentation, mentoring graduate students, and contributing to publications and grant reports.

The candidate will perform a range of techniques including cloning, sequencing, and expression analyses, while collaborating with faculty and staff across the Molecular Biosciences department.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, biology, molecular biology or closely related field.
• History of research productivity evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent molecular biology research using diverse techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, blotting, cloning, sequencing, etc.).
• Provide instruction, mentorship and guidance to graduate students.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports and proposals; present findings in lab meetings and coordinate ordering of project supplies.

Skills

Independent researcher

Mentoring graduate students

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Education

PhD in biochemistry/biology/molecular biology

Tools

PCR

RT-PCR

Southern blot

Northern blot

Cloning

RNA extraction

RNA-Seq

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate - Molecular Biologist

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Hiring Department:

Molecular Biosciences

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Jul 14, 2027

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

Purpose

The purpose of this position is to perform molecular biology research related to NIH grants.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research experiments using a wide variety of techniques, such as biochemical assays and electrophoresis, growth of bacteria, preparation of plasmid DNA, cloning and mutagenesis of plasmid DNA, isolation of RNA and DNA from cells, PCR and RT-PCR, Southern and Northern blotting, and reporter assays, protein expression and purification, in vitro mutagenesis, and biochemical assays, Next-generation RNA sequencing, RNA-seq library construction, and data analysis.

• Provide instruction, assistance and mentoring to graduate students.

• Write manuscripts and assist in the preparation of reports, abstracts, manuscripts and proposals. Make presentations at lab meetings, attend lab meetings and other meetings. Order chemicals and supplies specific to current project.

Required Qualifications

PhD in biochemistry, biology, molecular biology or closely related field. History of research productivity as evidenced by a strong publication record. Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment. Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to work well with a broad group of faculty, staff, and students, including the willingness and ability to mentor graduate students.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Relevant laboratory experience with various molecular biological techniques. Three years of post-doctoral experience in a relevant field.

Salary Range

$62,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Personal protection equipment (furnished)

• May work around chemical fumes

• May work around standard office conditions

• May work around bio-hazards

• May work around chemicals

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin

• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) if this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.