Research Associate, Research Scientist

Posting Number S07003P Position Title Research Associate Functional Title Department Bioengineering Salary Range $50,000 Pay Basis Monthly Position Status Regular full-time Location Richardson Position End Date (if temporary) Posting Open Date 04/29/2026 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Desired Start Date 10/01/2026

Job Summary

Biomedical Micro Devices and Nanotechnology Lab seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher to spearhead the development of innovative diagnostic biosensors. The successful candidate will focus on the end-to-end pipeline of biomarker discovery and sensor engineering, from molecular selection to high-fidelity analytical validation.

Key responsibilities and required expertise include:

* Aptamer Discovery & SELEX:
Mastery of SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) methodologies to identify, select, and optimize high-affinity DNA/RNA aptamers for novel biomarker targets. Experience in post-SELEX characterization (e.g., determining Kd values) is essential.

* Biomarker Analysis (LC/MS):
Proficiency in using LC/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) to characterize and quantify biomarkers within complex biological matrices such as sweat, saliva, or blood, facilitating the transition from discovery to detection.

* Sensor Design & Engineering: A strong understanding of biochemistry and materials chemistry to integrate custom-developed aptamers into functional biosensor platforms (e.g., electrochemical).

Assay Development:
The ability to independently design and execute complex, novel assay protocols for multiple biomarkers, ensuring robustness and sensitivity in real-world samples.

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D in a related field.

Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred

Education and Experience

PhD in engineering or related fields

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Plan, conduct, and direct a wide variety of advanced experiments focusing on the discovery of novel aptamers and the quantification of biomarkers.

* Execute SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) cycles, including library preparation, selection, and amplification, to develop high-affinity DNA/RNA aptamers.

* Perform high-resolution LC/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analysis to identify and validate biomarkers extracted from diverse biological fluids (e.g., sweat, saliva, or interstitial fluid).

* Responsible for the evaluation and interpretation of complex research data, including mass spectrometry spectra, binding affinity constants (Kd), and sensor performance metrics.

* Conduct experiments using advanced analytical equipment, such as LC-MS/MS systems, electrochemical workstations, and high-throughput sequencing platforms, applying complex methodologies to optimize sensor sensitivity and specificity.

* Plan and execute the details of experiments according to specific research protocols, ensuring rigorous quality control and statistical validation of all findings.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions Physical Activities Working Conditions Additional Information

This is a temporary 1-year position, renewable up to 2 years, pending funding availability and satisfactory performance.

A remote work schedule is not available for this position.

What We Can Offer

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work…