Research Associate, Research Scientist, Biotech Research

Purpose

The Research Associate will conduct independent and collaborative research in molecular biology, genetics, and genomics to support the laboratory's research program. The position is responsible for experimental design, data generation and analysis, manuscript preparation, and mentoring junior laboratory personnel while contributing to the overall scientific direction and productivity of the research group.

• Assists the faculty and other collaborators, or may act independently, in planning and designing research experiments; establishing priorities and recommending schedules, time tables and costs.
• Data collection, processing and analysis
• Effectively uses available technology to facilitate the success of the project.
• Engaged in benchwork and writing of technical publications and reports.
• Liaisons with outside collaborators, and others to ensure success of project.
• May supervise classified staff, graduate assistants, or student employees.
• Operates specialized scientific equipment.
• Performs statistical analyses, including selecting the appropriate analysis procedure, setting up data for analysis, judging validity and reliability of data, designing and writing programs to perform analyses, and producing written reports on the result of the analyses.
• Presentation of project results to internal and external parties.

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting independent research projects.
• Extensive hands‐on experience with molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and biochemical techniques.
• Experience with data analysis, statistical methods, and scientific programming or bioinformatics tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including a record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent organizational and experience operating and maintaining specialized laboratory instrumentation.

• Postdoctoral research experience in molecular biology, genetics, epigenetics, genomics, or a related field.
• Experience with next‑generation sequencing (RNA‑seq, ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq, Hi‑C, or related technologies).
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas genome editing and transgenic organism development.
• Experience using R, Python, or other statistical and computational analysis tools.
• Experience supervising or mentoring graduate students, undergraduate researchers, or research staff.
• Demonstrated success in preparing manuscripts, grant applications, and scientific presentations.
• Experience managing multiple collaborative research projects simultaneously.
• Experience working in plant molecular biology or chromatin/epigenetics research is desirable.

$60,782

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around biohazards.
• May work around chemicals.

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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.

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.