Lab Technician / Research Assistant

Job Summary

The Department of Neuroscience at UT Dallas has an opening for a Laboratory Technician/Research Assistant to join the Tavares Lab. The lab studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pain, peripheral neuropathies, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our research uses animal models, cell culture, molecular and histological approaches, and transcriptomic analyses to better understand mechanisms of nerve dysfunction and disease.

The Laboratory Technician/Research Assistant will provide technical and research support for ongoing laboratory projects, with a primary emphasis on animal studies of pain and peripheral neuropathy. The position will also provide opportunities to contribute to cell culture, tissue processing, microscopy, molecular biology, and transcriptomic studies. Experience working with rodents is preferred. Training will be provided for specialized techniques.

This position is particularly well suited for a recent graduate seeking post-baccalaureate research experience before pursuing a PhD or other graduate training.

This position may be fully or in part funded by a grant. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate degree with a minimum of two years hands on experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred Education and Experience

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in biology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Previous laboratory research experience is preferred.
• Prior experience working with rodents, including animal handling, behavioral testing, surgical procedures, or tissue collection.
• Experience with molecular and cell biology techniques, such as PCR, nucleic acid purification, cell culture, histology, immunohistochemistry, or microscopy.
• Experience conducting experiments independently.

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

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct and assist with animal experiments related to pain and peripheral neuropathy, including rodent handling, behavioral testing, experimental procedures, tissue collection, and sample processing.
• Assist with cell culture experiments and molecular and cellular assays.
• Perform tissue processing, histology, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, microscopy, and other laboratory procedures.
• Contribute to transcriptomic and molecular studies, including preparation and organization of biological samples for RNA sequencing and related analyses.
• Conduct experiments under the supervision of the PI and provide technical and research support for other laboratory personnel.
• Carefully document experimental procedures, protocols, animal records, and research results.
• Troubleshoot technical and experimental problems and summarize and present results to the research team.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment, protocols, and SOPs.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and ensure adequate supplies and equipment are available for ongoing research projects. Assist with orders and deliveries as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA’s)

• Experience with or willingness to learn rodent handling and animal research procedures.
• Basic laboratory experience in neuroscience, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Motivation to learn new experimental methods and techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to carefully document experimental procedures and results.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical and experimental challenges.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently after appropriate training and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Ability to record, organize, and communicate experimental results clearly.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions Physical Activities Working Conditions Additional Information

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Long and short-term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

Special Instructions Summary Important Message

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.