Research Scientist II

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson (TX)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Job summary

A Research Scientist II position is available in the laboratory of Professor Alexander Adibekian in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Dallas. We seek a specialist in cell biology and preclinical pharmacology to lead the biological validation arm of the laboratory’s target discovery program.

The laboratory applies chemoproteomic and chemical biology approaches to identify protein targets of bioactive natural products.

Qualifications

PhD in a directly related field with strong cell biology and preclinical pharmacology focus.
Experience in mammalian cell culture, genetic manipulation, and imaging.
Proven ability to design and execute in vivo preclinical tumor models.
Strong written and oral communication; track record of scientific publication.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct cell-based and in vivo validation studies for protein targets.
Develop preclinical rodent models, including breeding, dosing, imaging, and endpoint analyses.
Create engineered and reporter cell lines and perform target engagement assays.
Lead data interpretation, supervise students, and contribute to grant writing.
Develop imaging workflows and quantitative analysis pipelines.

Skills

Mammalian cell systems

Molecular biology

Cell line generation

Transfection & viral transduction

Molecular cloning

Protein engineering

IACUC-compliant rodent studies

In vivo tumor models

Imaging & image analysis

ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris, QuPath

Small-molecule MOA studies

Protein dynamics / stability

Scientific communication

Independent research leadership

Education

PhD in Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field

Tools

ImageJ/Fiji

Imaris

QuPath

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics

Job description

A Research Scientist II position is available in the laboratory of Professor Alexander Adibekian in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Dallas. We are seeking a specialist in cell biology and preclinical pharmacology to lead the biological validation arm of the laboratory’s target discovery program.

The laboratory applies chemoproteomic and chemical biology approaches to identify the protein targets of bioactive natural products and covalent small molecules. The successful candidate will translate the targets emerging from these platforms into cell-based and in vivo systems: generating engineered and reporter cell lines, designing target-engagement and mechanism-of-action assays, and establishing preclinical tumor models to evaluate candidate compounds and inform the development of new therapeutic leads.

Minimum Education and Experience

A minimum of a PhD in a field directly related to research and a minimum of two years of experience/expertise as noted below.

Preferred Education and Experience

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious scientist excited to work in a highly interactive and motivated research environment.

– PhD in Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field

– Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell systems and molecular biology, including primary cell isolation and culture, stable and recombinant cell line generation, transfection and viral transduction, molecular cloning, and protein engineering

– Hands‑on experience with IACUC‑compliant rodent study design and execution, including genetically engineered and syngeneic tumor models, multi‑route drug and gene delivery, tissue harvesting, and endpoint molecular and histopathological analysis

– Proficiency in advanced microscopy and quantitative image analysis, including confocal, light‑sheet, live‑cell and high‑content imaging, and analysis pipelines such as ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris, or QuPath

– Experience investigating small‑molecule mechanisms of action, protein‑protein interaction dynamics, and protein stability or degradation in a disease‑relevant context

– Excellent written and oral communication skills

– A proven record of scientific accomplishment

Experience with mass spectrometry‑based proteomics is advantageous but not required. Training in the laboratory’s chemoproteomic platforms will be provided.

– Postdoctoral experience in preclinical disease modeling, with a record of independently led in‑vivo studies

– Experience with genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), syngeneic tumor models, and longitudinal in‑vivo imaging (IVIS bioluminescence/fluorescence, micro‑CT)

– Experience with inducible or optogenetic systems for spatiotemporal control of protein function and gene expression (e.g. Cre/loxP, CRISPR/Cas9, allosteric protein switches)

– Experience with 3D tissue clearing, light‑sheet microscopy, and the construction of quantitative image analysis pipelines

– Experience mentoring junior researchers and coordinating with core facilities and CROs

– Demonstrated interest in chemical biology and chemoproteomics‑enabled target discovery

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

– Plan, conduct, and direct a wide variety of experiments in cell-based and in‑vivo systems.

– Design and execute biological validation studies for protein targets identified by the laboratory’s chemoproteomic platforms.

– Establish, maintain, and execute preclinical rodent models, including colony management, breeding, genotyping, dosing, in‑vivo imaging, and endpoint analysis, in compliance with IACUC and institutional requirements.

– Develop and optimize imaging and quantitative image analysis workflows; conduct experiments using advanced equipment and applying complex techniques, methods and procedures.

– Be responsible for the evaluation and interpretation of research data.

– Develop research protocols and supervise graduate or undergraduate researchers.

– Prepare written reports and contribute to the writing of research articles and grant applications.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Activities

Working Conditions

Remote Work Notice

REMOTE WORK NOT AVAILABLE – A remote work schedule is not available for this position.

About Us

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to graduating well‑rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. A collection of people, ideas and perspectives is crucial to our vision and mission. UT Dallas is a place where members of the community from all backgrounds are welcomed, treated fairly, and encouraged in their pursuit of excellence.

What We Can Offer

UT Dallas aims to attract and retain talented faculty and staff to support the university’s mission. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement, life insurance and AD&D coverage. UT Dallas also offers employee wellness programs, tuition assistance, professional development through Academic Impressions, and so much more. Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

Special Instructions Summary

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

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