Research Assistant II, Mineral Metabolism, Moe 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

Dr. Orson Moe is looking for a Research Assistant II to support our research projects. We are needing candidates with experience in microscopy, staining and imaging.

The position will may also participate in husbandry, breeding and genotyping of mouse lines together with associated record-keeping, and 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.

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

• 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

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.

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

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-inclusion