Research Scientist - DILLON / DENISCO Lab

The University of Texas at Dallas; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internal Training

BCBS PPO Medical insurance – 100% paid

Vision Insurance

Long and short-term disability

TRS Retirement Plan

Paid Time off

Fertility Benefits

Job summary

The University of Texas at Dallas is seeking a co-mentored postdoctoral scholar to join the Dillon and De Nisco laboratories. This role focuses on improving antibiotic outcomes in urinary tract infections by studying antibiotic resistance evolution and microbiome interactions.

Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in a related field and have a strong publication record. Benefits include medical insurance and retirement plans, emphasizing employee health and well-being.

Qualifications

• Proven academic publication track record in well-respected peer-reviewed journals.
• Expertise in drug mechanisms of action and microbiome analysis.
• Ability to conduct independent research in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research on antibiotic outcomes in urinary tract infection management.
• Work collaboratively on projects focused on antibiotic resistance.
• Characterize host urinary microbiome changes in clinical cohorts.

Skills

Academic publication track record

Expertise in host-microbe interactions

Independent research skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Ph.D. in a related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Dillon and De Nisco laboratories are looking to hire a co‑mentored postdoctoral scholar to work on collaborative projects aimed at improving antibiotic outcomes in urinary tract infection management. The Dillon lab investigates how antibiotic resistance evolves, focusing on high‑priority MDR pathogens, antibiotic pharmacology, and host‑pathogen interactions including murine models of infection. The De Nisco lab studies mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, host response, and urinary microbiome structure and function in recurrent urinary tract infection in postmenopausal women, with a current focus on the role of the urinary microenvironment in susceptibility and treatment outcomes.

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D. in a related field. Candidates who have completed all doctoral requirements but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Proven academic publication track record, including multiple first‑authored publications in well‑respected peer‑reviewed journals, as well as excellent scientific, organizational, record‑keeping, and problem‑solving skills.
• Expertise in host‑microbe interactions related to bacterial infections, drug mechanisms of action, microbiome analysis, and exploration of how host microenvironments impact treatment efficacy.
• Encouraged to explore new research areas and seek independent NIH or foundation funding as part of career development.

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work on collaborative projects improving antibiotic outcomes in urinary tract infection management.
• Conduct independent research in both the Dillon and De Nisco labs, including:
  • Defining the mechanistic basis for minocycline resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii in the Dillon lab.
  • Characterizing host urinary microbiome changes in human clinical cohorts in the De Nisco lab.
• Decipher how antibiotic resistance evolves, specializing in research on high‑priority MDR pathogens, antibiotic pharmacology, and host‑pathogen interactions including murine models of infection.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Laboratory environment. Requires regular standing, walking, and the capability to lift up to 10 lbs. Working conditions include exposure to biological specimens and laboratory chemicals, with standard lab safety protocols.

Benefits

• Internal Training
• BCBS PPO Medical insurance – 100% paid for full‑time employees
• Vision Insurance
• Long and short‑term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Paid Time off
• Fertility Benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status in employment, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.