Research Assistant II, CMMCR CLIA Laboratory

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 

We are seeking an individual with excellent critical thinking skills to join the Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research Department. This position will work in our CLIA-certified laboratory and will process and analyze urine and blood samples for clinical diagnostic and research efforts of the Center. The Mineral Metabolism CLIA laboratory is staffed by seven members who work together as a tightly knit team.

This position is responsible for running urine tests in our CLIA-certified laboratory for clinical patients and research studies. A thorough knowledge of chemistry and chemical reactions to troubleshoot equipment and assays is needed. This person will be expected to run assays for 14 urine analytes in our stone risk profile as well as learn to perform ad hoc assays on urine and serum tests as they pertain to mineral metabolism. He or she will also be expected to perform crystallization studies on urine samples.

Other duties will include assisting in receipt and accessioning of samples received from various diagnostic clinics and other research labs; assisting in reporting results in patient medical records via EPIC to diagnostic clinics; and performing specialized procedures for clinical research projects and reporting results to Supervisor and Principal Investigators.

Additionally, the desired candidate will have a strong background in Chemistry, as well as lab experience, especially in performing ELISA assays or using diagnostic equipment. Experience with Elisa test methods, immunoextraction and liquid chromatography is preferred. This position also requires strong computer skills and great attention to detail.

Experience and Education

• Master's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and one (1) year experience as Research Assistant I or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and two (2) years experience to include one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent.
• Completion of two (2) years of college or specialized training in histology, serology, medical technology, etc. and five (5) years experience to include one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent.
• High school graduation with courses in basic sciences and seven (7) years experience to include one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent.

Job Duties

• Plans, coordinates, and supervises assigned research projects, which may be limited as segment of larger project, exercising responsibility for project performance and accountability for progress; and/or personally performs advanced scientific and medical research work, suggesting modifications to, or improvements in, design of research projects, presenting original ideas for follow-up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates experimental or other special designed laboratory apparatus and equipment.
•  Assembles and analyzes research data. Assists in preparation of research material for reports or publication.
• May supervise group of Research Technicians and/or Research Assistants of lower grade, making work assignments, advising on work procedures and reviewing work in process and upon completion.
• 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-inhttps://jobs.utsouthwestern.edu/why-work-here/diversity-inclusionclusion