Research Technician II, O'Donnell Brain Institute

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center seeks a Research Technician II to provide technical support for the Rodent Behavior Core. The role includes performing standardized behavioral tests in mice and rats across departments, assisting investigators with study implementation, and maintaining specialized equipment while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The candidate will handle rodents, manage data, and contribute to protocol development and training of staff.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or two years of college with coursework in assigned field or high school diploma with related experience.
• Experience desired: animal handling experience and lab work.
• Proficiency in Excel for data management and organization.

Responsibilities

• Perform a wide range of rodent behavioral assays including tests for motor function, cognition, memory, anxiety, and social behavior.
• Handle, acclimate, and prepare rodents for testing using established protocols with minimal stress.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and maintain behavioral data using tracking systems and software.
• Assist investigators with experimental design, protocol implementation, scheduling, and interpretation of results.
• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and clean behavioral testing equipment and software.

Skills

Experience with animals

Organizational skills

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Two years of college

High School Diploma or GED

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 number 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 Research Technician II will provide technical support for the Rodent Behavior Core by conducting standardized behavioral testing in mice and rats for investigators across multiple departments. The incumbent will perform behavioral assays, assist investigators with study implementation, maintain specialized behavioral equipment, and ensure compliance with instistuation animal care and research regulations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform a wide range of rodent behavioral assays, including tests evaluating motor function, cognition, learning and memory, anxiety, depression-like behaviors, sensory function, social interaction, and reward-related behaviors.
• Handle, acclimate, and prepare rodents for behavioral testing using established protocols while minimizing animal stress and ensuring data quality.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and maintain accurate behavioral data using computerized tracking systems and laboratory software.
• Assist investigators with experimental design, protocol implementation, scheduling, and interpretation of behavioral testing results.
• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and clean behavioral testing equipment and associated software systems.
• Coordinate testing schedules with investigators to maximize core utilization and ensure timely completion of studies.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and prepare summaries of experimental data for investigators and Core leadership.
• Monitor laboratory inventory, order supplies, and ensure behavioral testing areas remain organized and operational.
• Ensure compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols, AAALAC standards, and UT Southwestern policies regarding animal research.
• Assist in developing and optimizing behavioral testing protocols and provide training to investigators, students, and laboratory personnel on proper use of behavioral equipment and procedures.
• Participate in quality assurance activities to ensure consistency and reproducibility of behavioral testing.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Rodent Behavior Core.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience with animals, organizational skills, and Microsoft Excel for data keeping.

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.

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.