Research Associate, Tuberculosis Genetics and Immunology

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

PSLF eligible

Job summary

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is seeking a motivated Research Associate to join a team investigating genetic and immunological determinants of tuberculosis susceptibility. You will support multidisciplinary projects, perform molecular genetics and immunology experiments, and help maintain lab quality and biosafety standards.

Responsibilities include nucleic acid extraction, PCR-based assays, genotyping, cell isolation and culture, and thorough record keeping.

Qualifications

• Education requirements: Master’s or Bachelor’s in biology/immunology/microbiology or related field.
• Experience: 3 years with Master’s or 4 years with Bachelor’s in a lab setting, at least at Research Assistant II level or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Recommends or initiates new or modified procedures based on latest research.
• Performs data collection and analysis for experiments.
• Designs and modifies equipment and apparatus for experiments.
• Mentors students and junior staff in techniques and safety.
• Assists with manuscript preparation and data interpretation.
• May supervise junior staff and manage daily lab tasks.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Nucleic acid extraction

PCR-based assays

Genotyping

Cell isolation and culture

Data acquisition and analysis

Laboratory record keeping

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Master's Degree in biology/immunology

Bachelor's Degree in biology or related field

Tools

Flow cytometer

PCR machines

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.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at understanding the genetic and immunological determinants of tuberculosis susceptibility, with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this major global infectious disease.

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

• 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.