Research Assistant I, Mineral Metabolism

Why join Center for Mineral Metabolism?

The mission of the Division of Mineral Metabolism at UT Southwestern is to advance medical knowledge of the causes and treatments of diseases of mineral metabolism through discovery, to instruct and educate health care personnel and scientists in research and clinical practice, and to provide excellence in clinical care of patients with such diseases. Under the direction of Dr. Orson Moe, the Division of Mineral Metabolism focuses on the abnormal levels of minerals –either too much or too little– in the blood.

Job Summary

Dr. Orson Moe is looking for a Research Assistant I to support our research projects. We are needing candidates with experience in microscopy, staining and imaging. Applicants must be reliable, a team-player, and have an inquisitive mind. A research interest in osteoporosis or kidney stones is a plus.

Department Expectations

• Perform bench-science tasks related to mineral metabolism research specifically in animal husbandry and biological sample retrieval
• Sectioning and staining of biological samples
• Confocal microscopy of stained biological samples
• Cell culture 
• nRNA extraction and purification
• nProtein production and purification

Experience and Education

• Master's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required.
• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and one (1) year research experience at level of Research Technician or equivalent.
• Two (2) years college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment and four (4) years research experience including two (2) years at level of Research Technician or equivalent.
• High school graduation or GED and six (6) years research experience to include two (2) years at level of Research Technician or equivalent.

Lab Duties

• Sectioning and staining of biological samples
• Confocal microscopy of stained biological samples
• RNA extraction and purification
• Quantitation of specific mRNA by polymerase chain reaction
• Recombinant protein production and purification
• Synthetic antibody production
• Participate in husbandry, breeding and genotyping of mouse lines together with associated record-keeping
• Daily maintenance of metabolic research cages.
• Ordering supplies and managing the inventory of chemicals, reagents and consumables.
• General lab upkeep to include maintenance of glassware and equipment.

Job Duties

• Performs more difficult scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records and evaluates data obtained from work assignments for use in scientific papers.
• Collaborates with supervisor or other research personnel in preparation of scientific papers for publication.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning procedures and implementation.
• Collects and organizes research data for project reports.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of Research Technicians or other laboratory personnel of lower grade.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. 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.

To learn more, please visit: https://jobs.utsouthwestern.edu/why-work-here/diversity-inclusion