Research Specialist II - Orth Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HHMI health benefits

Autonomy in research

Publications opportunities

Collaborative environment

Core facilities access

Mentorship

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) invites applications for a Research Specialist II in the Orth Lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. The role focuses on independent structural biology research using CryoEM and X-ray crystallography, with mentoring responsibilities for junior lab members.

The successful candidate will lead projects, work with membrane proteins or large structures, and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications in a collaborative, resource-rich environment

Qualifications

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or closely related field.
• Published CryoEM and/or X-ray crystallography studies; strong publication record.
• Comprehensive structural biology toolbox with hands-on experience across multiple techniques.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; able to mentor others.
• Self-directed and independent with capability to own and drive research projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute independent structural biology research projects, including CryoEM and X-ray crystallography.
• Work with membrane proteins and larger molecular structures to advance host-pathogen research.
• Serve as the lab's structural biology expert and resource for other members.
• Document structural data and maintain rigorous experimental records.
• Prepare and contribute to peer‑reviewed manuscripts and publications.
• Mentor and train lab members in structural biology techniques.
• Collaborate with postdocs, graduate students, and other scientists within and outside the lab.

Job description

Primary Work Address

6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX, 75390-9050

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

Lab Overview

The Orth Laboratory, led by HHMI Investigator Dr. Kim Orth at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, investigates the molecular mechanisms by which pathogenic bacteria manipulate host cell signaling and immune responses. The lab's research integrates microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology, and animal models to understand host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level — with the goal of gaining novel molecular insight into eukaryotic signaling systems. For more information, visit https://labs.utsouthwestern.edu/orth-lab

About the Role

We are seeking an expert structural biologist to join the Orth Lab as a Research Specialist II at UT Southwestern Medical Center. This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished scientist with a strong publication record in CryoEM and/or X-ray crystallography to own independent research projects, serve as the lab's structural biology resource, and mentor other lab members. The ideal candidate brings a full structural biology toolbox, deep expertise in membrane proteins or larger molecular structures, and a passion for advancing research at the intersection of structural biology and molecular pathogenesis.

What We Provide

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive HHMI health and wellness benefits.
• Autonomy to pursue independent research projects within the scope of the lab's scientific focus.
• Opportunity to contribute to high-impact peer-reviewed publications.
• A highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
• Access to outstanding core facilities and scientific resources including state-of-the-art structural biology equipment.
• Mentorship opportunities — serving as the lab's structural biology expert and resource for other scientists.

What You'll Do

• Lead and execute independent structural biology research projects, including CryoEM and X-ray crystallography studies.
• Work with membrane proteins and larger molecular structures to advance the lab's research on host-pathogen interactions.
• Serve as the structural biology expert and resource for other lab members conducting structural work.
• Document structural molecules and maintain rigorous records of experimental data and methods.
• Prepare and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts and publications as a key contributor.
• Mentor and train other lab members in structural biology techniques and workflows.
• Collaborate with postdocs, graduate students, and other scientists within and outside the lab.

What You Bring

• A PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• Published CryoEM and/or X-ray crystallography studies — a strong publication record is required.
• A comprehensive structural biology toolbox with hands-on expertise across multiple structural techniques.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills — ability to serve as a technical resource for the broader lab team.
• Self-directed and independent — able to own and drive research projects with minimal supervision.
• Experience working with membrane proteins or larger molecular structures — strongly preferred.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for mentoring junior lab members and graduate students.
• Familiarity with host-pathogen interactions or molecular pathogenesis research.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Compensation and Benefits

Hiring Pay Range $79,738.00 - $99,673.00

Pay Type: Annual

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity. HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs.
• Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Why HHMI

To move science forward we need a diverse collection of talents, expertise, and backgrounds in scientific research and science education, as well as communications, finance, human resources, information technology, investments, law, and operations. At HHMI, we encourage collaborative and results-driven working styles and offer an adaptable environment where employees can do their best work. What makes us strong is the diversity of our perspectives. We work to promote a culture of inclusion in our work environments and across the greater scientific community. To find more information about us and the steps we're taking to make HHMI a more inclusive organization, visit our About Us page.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Applicants have rights under federal employment laws. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please review these posters: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Know Your Rights, and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).