Senior Research Associate

Why join UT Southwestern’s 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 Senior 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.

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

·       Ph.D. degree with major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required. or

·       Master's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and five (5) years laboratory experience, including at least two (2) years at level of Research Associate or equivalent. or

·       Bachelor's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and six (6) years laboratory experience, including at least two (2) years at level of Research Associate or equivalent.

Job Duties

·       Organizes laboratory to which assigned; determines work assignments of subordinates, advising them as to techniques, procedures, and equipment to be utilized in solution of work problems; and reviews completed work for professional quality and attainment of desired results.

·       Compiles and evaluates research data; develops new or revised techniques and procedures based upon such data.

·       Performs or supervises design, development, or adaptation of equipment or apparatus used in research experiments to obtain desired results.

·       Compiles and analyzes results of research assignments and submits to principal investigator.

·       Instructs medical students, graduate students, residents, and other laboratory personnel of lower grade with respect to techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized in research or experiments.

·       Confers with industrial, governmental, or other professional groups with respect to progress or results of research assignment.

·       Assists principal investigator and other professional personnel in preparation of reports and papers for publication, usually exercising responsibility for writing of particular segment or phase of report or paper.

·        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