Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 38,700 - 47,300; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Sabharwal Lab (MitoDynamics) in the Dell Pediatric Research Institute is seeking a Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I. The role covers molecular biology, genomics, and zebrafish genetics with a focus on mitochondrial DNA biology and gene editing.

Expect lab administration and protocol development alongside rigorous research work. Under supervision of the PI, you will contribute to experimental results, manuscript preparation, and ongoing progress

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related scientific field (or equivalent).
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Experience in molecular biology, genomics, and zebrafish genetic work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the research team and present progress at lab meetings.
• Record experimental data and assist in data analysis and interpretation for publications.
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment and manage inventory and ordering.
• Perform molecular biology, gene editing, and genomics techniques related to mitochondrial biology and metabolism.
• Maintain zebrafish colonies and support genotyping and breeding operations.
• Attend weekly lab meetings and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant support.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Molecular biology

Genomics data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field

Job description

Job Posting Title

Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I

Job Posting Title

Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I

Hiring Department

Dell Medical School

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Feb 28, 2031

Location

AUSTIN, TX

Job Details

General NotesThe Sabharwal Lab (PI: Dr. Ankit Sabharwal) at the Department of Pediatrics at the Dell Medical School is looking for Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I. This position will end effective one year from start date. Subsequent annual renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding.

Purpose

The Sabharwal laboratory (MitoDynamics lab) at the Dell Pediatric Research Institute studies mitochondrial biology and rare mitochondrial diseases using zebrafish as a model organism. We are looking for a Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I to conduct biological research under the supervision of the PI. Work will span molecular biology, genomics, and zebrafish genetics, with a focus on mitochondrial DNA biology and gene editing. The new member will also be expected to contribute to general laboratory administration and maintenance. The Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, contributing to research publications, and assisting in the development of new research protocols.

Responsibilities

• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with research team members, participate actively in lab meetings and discussions, and present research progress and findings. Opportunities to present at scientific conferences may be available.


• Data Collection and Analysis: Record experimental data accurately and assist in data analysis using relevant software tools and statistical methods. Work lab members and students to interpret and communicate findings effectively. Assist in interpretation and preparation of results for publications and presentations.


• Lab and Equipment Maintenance: Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment and instruments and assist with inventory management of laboratory supplies including ordering.


• Laboratory Experiments: Perform molecular, gene editing, and genomics techniques related to mitochondrial biology and metabolism, including tissue sample preparation, cell culture, molecular biology assays, and microscopy.


• Maintain zebrafish colonies in the aquatics facility and support genotyping and breeding operations. Maintain laboratory equipment, manage reagent inventory, and ensure compliance with safety and IACUC protocols.


• Attend weekly lab meetings and report on research progress. Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant support, and onboarding of new lab members as needed.

Education & Experience

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related scientific field. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular biology


• Experience with bioinformatic tools for genomics data analysis


• Familiarity with zebrafish or another genetic model organism

Salary Range

$43,000 + depending on qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

• Standard office equipment


• Repetitive use of a keyboard


• Work in aquatics facility required


• May work around biohazards


• May work around chemicals

Required Materials

• Resume/CV


• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor


• 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.

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.

E-Verify

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


• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]


• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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) reporting. 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.