Research Lab Assistant, Pharmacology

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan day one

Paid Time Off

Retirement Programs TRS

Paid Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Wellness programs

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas seeks a motivated Research Technician to provide skilled technical assistance in molecular biology research within the Corey Lab. The role involves hands-on techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, cell culture, gel electrophoresis, and data analysis, plus collaboration on publications.

Candidates should have lab experience, strong organization, and the ability to work independently and in a team within a dynamic research

Qualifications

• Education requirements include Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework.
• Laboratory experience in molecular biology is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail expected.

Responsibilities

• Performs difficult scientific/medical research in biology/chemistry/physics or related fields.
• Constructs and operates laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records and evaluates data for scientific papers.
• Collaborates with supervisors on manuscript preparation.
• Reads literature and discusses procedures with supervisor.
• Collects and organizes data for project reports.
• May supervise junior laboratory staff as needed.

Skills

DNA extraction

RNA extraction

PCR/qPCR

Western blotting

Cell culture

Gel electrophoresis

Microscopy

Protein extraction

Education

Master’s Degree in related field

Bachelor’s Degree with related coursework

Two years of college with related coursework

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

PCR machine

Centrifuge

Microscope

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 provide responsible and skilled technical assistance in performing assignments requiring experience and good knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical and scientific research.

The Corey Lab in the Department of Pharmacology conducts innovative research at the interface of chemistry and biology, with a particular focus on nucleic acids, gene regulation, and therapeutic discovery. The laboratory investigates how nucleic acids and nucleic acid mimics recognize and interact with target molecules inside cells and uses these insights to develop new strategies for manipulating gene expression. This work aims to advance our understanding of fundamental biological processes, develop new tools for laboratory research, and lay the groundwork for novel therapeutic approaches. Team members have the opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary research that connects molecular biology and chemistry with the broader goal of advancing drug discovery and human health.

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative individual who is excited about molecular biology research and eager to grow their laboratory skills. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team-oriented research environment, learning new techniques, and contributing to scientific discovery. Hands-on laboratory experience is preferred, including exposure to molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, protein extraction, cell culture, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy. Candidates with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and an interest in developing their experimental and data analysis skills are especially encouraged to apply. An ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team is also highly desirable.

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 and no experience required or
  Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
  Completion of 2 years of college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment or
  High School Diploma or GED equivalent

• Experience 1 year Research experience at level of Research Technician or equivalent with Bachelor's degree or
  4 years Research experience including two years at level of Research Technician or equivalent with 2 years of college or
  6 years Research experience with High School Diploma or GED equivalent including
  2 years at level of Research Technician or equivalent.

JOB DUTIES

• Performs more difficult scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records and evaluates data obtained from work assignments for use in scientific papers.
• Collaborates with supervisor or other research personnel in preparation of scientific papers for publication.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning procedures and implementation.
• Collects and organizes research data for project reports.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of Research Technicians or other laboratory personnel of lower grade.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Work requires good working knowledge of various types of equipment used in laboratory to which assigned.
• Work requires accuracy and precision in all phases of experimental investigation.
• Work requires exercise of moderate judgment in application of procedures and practices to work problems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

• Handling
• Repetitive Motions
• Sitting
• Standing

Working Conditions

• Hazards
• 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.