Research Technician II, Center for Host Genetics

UT Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan

Paid time off

Retirement programs

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

PSLF eligible

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center is seeking a motivated Research Technician to support the Zhao Zhang Laboratory. You will assist with mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, and basic molecular and cellular assays, contributing to projects on appetite, body weight, and metabolism.

The role involves routine lab support, training provided, and close collaboration with the PI and lab members. Prior lab experience is helpful; willingness to work with mice is expected.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate research experience in biology or related field preferred.
• Familiarity with basic lab techniques such as pipetting, PCR, or cell culture is a plus.
• Ability to maintain accurate experimental records and work well with others.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine scientific and medical research work in biology and related fields.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records data and discusses results with supervisor.
• Assists in data collection for project reports.
• Possibly supervises lower-grade lab personnel on limited tasks.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Detail orientation

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Two years college/related coursework

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

PCR

Cell culture

Genotyping

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 minimal supervision to provide responsible technical assistance in performance of assignments requiring basic knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of science.

The Zhao Zhang laboratory at UT Southwestern Medical Center studies the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate appetite, body weight, and metabolism. We are seeking a motivated research technician to support ongoing projects using mouse models, molecular biology, and cell-based experiments. Responsibilities will include mouse colony maintenance and genotyping, sample preparation, basic molecular and cellular assays, and routine laboratory support, with training provided. This position offers opportunities to contribute to research projects and take on increasing responsibility with training and experience, while working closely with the PI and other lab members.

Preferred experience:

Undergraduate research experience in biology or a related field is preferred but not required. Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques, such as pipetting, PCR, or cell culture, is a plus. We are looking for someone who is dependable, organized, attentive to detail, willing to learn, and able to maintain accurate experimental records and work well with others. Prior experience working with mice is helpful but not required; willingness to work with mice is expected.

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

• Bachelor's Degree With major coursework in field of assignment and no experience or
• Two (2) years of college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment or
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Experience

• No experience required with Bachelor's Degree or
• 2 years of laboratory experience at level of Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent with two (2) years of college or
• 4 years of laboratory experience including two years at level of Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent with High School Graduation or GED equivalent

JOB DUTIES

• Performs routine scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Assembles and/or operates various laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records research data in accordance with prescribed procedures, discussing results with supervisor.
• Assists in collection of data for project reports.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning implementation of new procedures.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of laboratory personnel of lower grade engaged in limited phase of research project.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Work requires exercise of considerable judgment in application and interpretation of policy, procedures, or practices to work problems.

Work requires precision in preparing material and recording data.

Work requires working knowledge of various types of equipment used in laboratory to which assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

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 discriminatio