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 broad direction to plan, organize, direct, and participate in work of major research project in field of specialization for which incumbent is particularly qualified by virtue of extensive training and experience.

The Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases (CAND) at UT Southwestern Medical Center seeks a Senior Scientist specializing in biomarker development to support a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at advancing blood-based diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Position description:

The successful candidate will spearhead the development and optimization of innovative biomarker assays focused on the early detection and tracking of disease progression through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood-based diagnostics. The project is built upon cutting-edge research leveraging unique immunoaffinity reagents (Fc-VHH fusions) to detect tau and alpha-synuclein assemblies. The primary goal is translating these molecular insights into robust assays that can accurately quantify pathogenic seeds from peripheral samples.

Key responsibilities:

Lead assay optimization and validation for NULISA or SIMOA-based tau biomarkers and ELISA-based alpha-synuclein biomarkers; Coordinate closely with clinical investigators to access and utilize well-characterized patient and control samples for biomarker validation; Supervise and mentor laboratory personnel, ensuring adherence to experimental protocols and data integrity; Collaborate and coordinate with bioinformatics and biostatistics teams for data analysis, validation, and assay refinement; Publish and present scientific findings in high-impact journals and at international conferences; Assist in grant writing and securing additional research funding.

Preferred qualifications:

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field; A minimum of 2 years of experience in biomarker assay development, immunoassays (SIMOA, ELISA), and neurodegenerative disease biology; Experience in biochemistry and molecular biology techniques, including protein purification, quantification, and analysis; Proven experience with assay optimization, validation, and clinical translation; Excellent organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.

Familiarity with immunoglobulin-based diagnostic tools (e.g., Fc-VHH); Experience handling clinical samples and knowledge of ethical regulations for human research; Experience supervising and mentoring laboratory staff; Strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.  

PLEASE PROVIDE A COVER LETTER.

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
  PhD with major coursework in field of assignment or
  Master’s Degree with major coursework in field of assignment

• Experience
  6 years research experience in field of assignment; including at 1 year at the level of Research Scientist or its equivalent with a PhD or
  9 years research experience in field of assignment; including at least 2 years at level of Research Scientist or its equivalent with Master’s degree

Preferred

• Education
  May consider a Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in field of assignment with additional related experience.

JOB DUTIES

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs, and personally participates in major medical or scientific research project, including development and implementation of research protocols. Selects key research personnel; determines specific goals or objectives to be attained; assigns and reviews work of subordinates.
• Reviews and analyzes resulting research data; revises techniques or approaches to work problems as indicated necessary by research data. Compiles, writes, and submits project results to principal investigator or department chairman.
• Prepares or assists in preparation of research papers, reports, and abstracts for publication as one of co-authors.
• Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
• Plans and supervises training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, use of laboratory equipment, and safety procedures.
• Confers with industrial, governmental, or other groups concerning progress or results of research project.
• Supervises large group of employees engaged in performance of technical and professional work, which varies from routine to complex laboratory work tasks.
• 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.