WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

JOB SUMMARY
Works under minimal supervision to provide responsible technical assistance in performance of assignments requiring basic knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of science.

 A full-time Research Technician II position is available immediately in the Whole Brain Microscopy Facility (WBMF), a core facility in the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The goal of the WBMF is to enhance basic neuroscience and neurological disease research at UTSW by enabling high-throughput visualization of entire rodent brains at high resolution. The WBMF offers fee-for-service access to a number of unique light microscopes, custom image analysis workflows, and standard histology services. 

We are seeking a candidate with interest and/or experience in both the microscopy and computational image processing aspects of the facility. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred. Experience in microscopy, tissue clearing and/or automated image analysis is highly desirable. Applicant must be able to work independently and among a multidisciplinary team, display a high degree of initiative, and have excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Computational image processing and analysis of serial two-photon fluorescent whole brain image volumes using open-source and commercial packages (ImageJ, ilastik, Matlab, etc.) as part of a custom built existing pipeline (see Ramirez et al, 2019: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-9702-2_9) · Cross training in operation of TissueCyte 1000 serial two-photon microscopes and/or other volumetric imaging modalities (e.g. lightsheet; LifeCanvas SmartSPIM). 
• Data backup and storage management via local servers and cloud based systems
• Utilize automated slide scanning microscopes to scan slides for clients, develop and implement quantitative methods for analysis of whole slide images, and conduct regular maintenance of this equipment
• Training of new users on facility equipment (slide scanning microscopes)
• Coordinate new project requests and ongoing projects with individual investigators via online core facility management software (iLab)
• Additional tasks and responsibilities as requested

Competencies Required:

• Laboratory based experience in biological science, neuroscience preferred.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Outstanding time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to be a team player.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a detailed and well-organized record of research performed and results obtained.
• Ability to focus, work independently, and regularly seek feedback on job performance.
• Ability to establish priorities and balance demands of multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Flexibility and willingness to shift focus and help where needed, to achieve goals across multiple ongoing research studies.
• Must be able to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and operating system: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, as well as the ability to learn new software applications including but not limited to Zeiss Zen, Imaris, MATLAB, ImageJ/FIJI, and ilastik.

Candidates are preferred if they can demonstrate the following qualifications/experience:

• Data acquisition and analysis from sophisticated microscopy systems, especially large volume images
• Application of automated cluster computing workflows for large scale image analysis
• Neuroscience coursework and/or laboratory experience, especially with rodent brain anatomy and histology
• Tissue clearing and/or lightsheet microscopy

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required

• Education
  Bachelor’s Degree With major coursework in field of assignment and no experience or
  Two (2) years of college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment or
  High School Diploma or GED

• Experience
  No experience required with Bachelor’s Degree or
  2 years of laboratory experience at level of Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent with two (2) years of college or
  4 years of laboratory experience including two years at level of Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent with High School Graduation/GED

JOB DUTIES

• Performs routine scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Assembles and/or operates various laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records research data in accordance with prescribed procedures, discussing results with supervisor.
• Assists in collection of data for project reports.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning implementation of new procedures.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of laboratory personnel of lower grade engaged in limited phase of research project.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

EEO Statement
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.