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 general direction to provide responsible and skilled technical assistance in performing assignments requiring experience and good knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical and scientific research.

The Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Hypothalamic Research is recruiting for a Research Assistant I position in the lab of Dr. Frankie Heyward. The Heyward Lab is a multi-disciplinary lab that investigates the neuroepigenetic mechanisms regulating synaptic plasticity in the hypothalamus, their role in maintaining body weight set-point, and how their dysregulation contributes to diet-induced obesity, weight-regain, and aging-related impairments in appetite.

In addition to performing experiments, the Research Assistant will also be responsible for mouse colony management and general lab management.  Efficient organizational skills, attention to detail, accurate record keeping, and effective communication skills are essential.  Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

•    Assisting in stereotaxic delivery and retro-orbital injections of viral constructs to the brain for over-expression and knockdown of particular transcription factors (TFs).

•    Conducting confocal imaging of TFs in the brain during different metabolic conditions.

•    Performing assays involving single-cell and bulk cell-type-specific assessments of gene expression and TF activity, including direct DNA binding within mouse brain tissue.

•    Mouse colony management, including mouse husbandry, identification, and genotyping.

•    Conducting behavioral assessments in mice.

•    Keeping and maintaining accurate written and database records of all animal activity.

•    Updating animal protocols.

•    Maintaining laboratory equipment.

•    Ordering and monitoring lab supplies. •

   Maintaining sub-ledgers and ledgers for various accounts, including tracking laboratory expenditures and encumbrances, paying invoices, reconciling accounts, and ensuring appropriate use of funds.

Must be comfortable handling live mice and euthanizing mice for data collection.  

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
  Master’s Degree with major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required or
  Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
  Completion of 2 years of college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment or
  High School Graduation or GED

• Experience
  1 year Research experience at level of Research Technician or equivalent wtih Bachelor’s degree or
  4 years Research experience including two years at level of Research Technician or equivalent with 2 years of college or
  6 years Research experience with High School Diploma including
  2 years at level of Research Technician or equivalent.

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.

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. To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

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.