Research Associate, Research Scientist

Position Overview: The Research Associate will lead independent research on several projects, including RNA polymerase engineering, CRISPR-associated protein biochemistry, and nucleic acid diagnostics. They will advance projects from experimental design through publication. The role also encompasses laboratory operations, mentorship of junior researchers, and contribution to grants and scientific communications.

Location: Austin, TX

Weekly

Hours:

40

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Dec 10, 2026

• Plan and perform experiments across multiple projects, including cloning, expressing, and purifying proteins in bacterial and eukaryotic hosts.
• Characterize proteins using biochemical and biophysical methods, such as quantitative kinetics, protein purity, biochemical activity, and structural analyses.
• Read and summarize literature related to the projects; prepare written reports, slide decks, and oral presentations for the lab, funders, and broader scientific community.
• Write manuscripts, grants, and reports to disseminate key findings; mentor undergraduates, staff scientists, and other personnel as needed.
• Help maintain the lab by purchasing, stocking, and maintaining reagents and equipment, and ensuring documentation and compliance with safety and environmental health requirements.

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related field.

• Experience with protein expression and purification, quantitative biochemical kinetics, biophysical characterization methods, and CRISPR-associated systems.

Salary Range: $75,000

• Personal protection equipment (furnished)
• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around bio-hazards
• May work around chemicals

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.