Research Associate, Neuroscience

Research Associate, Neuroscience

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Neuroscience Department

Neuroscience is an integrated research discipline that seeks to understand the development and function of the nervous system. At UT Southwestern, the Department of Neuroscience concentrates on projects that have a significant impact on understanding neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Job Summary

Dr. Helen Lai has a strong interest in understanding the molecular and circuit mechanisms that underlie sensorimotor behavior, with a focus on pain and proprioception. Lai’s laboratory is looking for an enthusiastic and responsible Research Associate to play a leadership role in generating molecular and anatomical atlases of the developing mouse spinal cord. The goal is to understand the processes by which discrete developmental progenitor domains give rise to the diversity of cell types in the adult spinal cord. The role will provide extensive training in cutting-edge -omics technologies, and the generated dataset will offer numerous research avenues for the candidate’s future independent research endeavors.

The successful Research Associate will play a leadership role in generating molecular and anatomical atlases of the developing mouse spinal cord. The goal is to understand the processes by which discrete developmental progenitor domains give rise to the diversity of cell types in the adult spinal cord. The role will provide extensive training in cutting-edge-omics technologies, and the generated dataset will offer numerous research avenues for the candidate’s future independent research endeavors.

Department Expectations

• A highly motivated, enthusiastic, and inquisitive candidate with a background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or neuroscience.
• Experience with sc/snRNA-seq and ATAC-seq, 10x Genomics sequencing technologies.
• Experience with standard molecular biology, histology techniques, and mouse colony maintenance.
• Experience or familiarity with spatial transcriptomics technologies a plus.
• Team player who works well with others.
• Excellent verbal, written, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Experience and Education

• Masters degree with major coursework in field of assignment and three (3) years of laboratory experience including at least two years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in field of assignment and four (4) years of laboratory experience including two years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent.

Job Duties

• Recommends and/or initiates new or modified procedures and techniques based upon latest developments in assigned field or analysis of research data.
• Performs computer programming for accumulation and analysis of research data.
• Designs, constructs, repairs, or modifies electronic and/or mechanical equipment or apparatus used in experiments and research projects.
• Instructs medical students, graduate students, residents, or other laboratory personnel of lower grade with respect to techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized in research or experiments.
• Assists principal investigator and other professional personnel in writing of reports and papers for publication.
• May provide working supervision to employees of lower grade engaged in performance of variety of difficult and complex laboratory work tasks.
• 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.