Research Associate, Tuberculosis Genetics and Immunology

UT Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan day one

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Retirement Programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Wellness programs

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas seeks a motivated Research Associate to support projects on the genetic and immunological basis of susceptibility to tuberculosis. The role covers molecular genetics, cellular immunology, and deep immunophenotyping in a multidisciplinary team.

The candidate will perform nucleic acid extraction, PCR-based assays, genotyping, cell isolation and culture, and functional immune assays, while maintaining rigorous records and biosafety standards.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field.
• Experience: 3 years of lab experience with Master’s degree (2 years at Research Assistant II level) or 4 years with Bachelor’s degree (2 years at Research Assistant II level).
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and cell-based assays is preferred.
• Experience with flow cytometry is strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Recommends and/or initiates new or modified procedures based on latest developments or data analysis.
• Performs data acquisition and computer programming for research data.
• Designs, constructs, repairs, or modifies equipment used in experiments and research projects.
• Instructs students and staff on techniques and equipment used in research.
• Assist PI and colleagues in writing reports and papers for publication.
• May supervise junior staff and perform complex laboratory tasks.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Cell-based assays

Flow cytometry

Education

Master's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment

Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment

Tools

Flow cytometry equipment

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!

Job Summary

Works under general direction to perform professional level medical or scientific research assignments related to particular or specialized field of endeavor.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our research team investigating the genetic and immunological basis of susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB). This position will support ongoing multidisciplinary research projects and ensure continuity within the laboratory.

The successful candidate will contribute to projects aimed at identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

The candidate will perform a broad range of experimental procedures spanning molecular genetics, cellular immunology, and deep immunophenotyping. Responsibilities will include nucleic acid extraction, PCR-based assays, genotyping, cell isolation and culture, functional immune assays, sample processing, data acquisition, and meticulous record keeping. The position also involves assisting with protocol optimization, maintaining laboratory organization, and ensuring compliance with biosafety and quality standards.

Experience with flow cytometry is highly desirable, including sample preparation, antibody staining, instrument operation, and data analysis. Familiarity with high-dimensional or spectral flow cytometry is an advantage but is not required. Additional experience with molecular biology techniques, cell culture, and immune-based assays will be considered favorably.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and cell-based assays.
• Experience with flow cytometry is strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for translational infectious disease research.

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!

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.

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: 366002 - GE-Lab Casanova

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Employee Status: Regular

Job Type: Standard

Job Posting: Sep 30, 2026, 3:21:13 AM