Lab Technician​/Research Assistant

Lab Technician / Research Assistant

The Department of Neuroscience at UT Dallas has an opening for a Laboratory Technician/Research Assistant to join the Tavares Lab. The lab studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pain, peripheral neuropathies, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our research uses animal models, cell culture, molecular and histological approaches, and transcriptomic analyses to better understand mechanisms of nerve dysfunction and disease. The Laboratory Technician/Research Assistant will provide technical and research support for ongoing laboratory projects, with a primary emphasis on animal studies of pain and peripheral neuropathy.

The position will also provide opportunities to contribute to cell culture, tissue processing, microscopy, molecular biology, and transcriptomic studies. Experience working with rodents is preferred. Training will be provided for specialized techniques. This position is particularly well suited for a recent graduate seeking post-baccalaureate research experience before pursuing a PhD or other graduate training. This position may be fully or in part funded by a grant.

Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

Associate degree with a minimum of two years hands on experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree with major coursework in biology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Previous laboratory research experience is preferred. Prior experience working with rodents, including animal handling, behavioral testing, surgical procedures, or tissue collection. Experience with molecular and cell biology techniques, such as PCR, nucleic acid purification, cell culture, histology, immunohistochemistry, or microscopy. Experience conducting experiments independently.

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:

Conduct and assist with animal experiments related to pain and peripheral neuropathy, including rodent handling, behavioral testing, experimental procedures, tissue collection, and sample processing. Assist with cell culture experiments and molecular and cellular assays. Perform tissue processing, histology, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, microscopy, and other laboratory procedures. Contribute to transcriptomic and molecular studies, including preparation and organization of biological samples for RNA sequencing and related analyses.

Conduct experiments under the supervision of the PI and provide technical and research support for other laboratory personnel. Carefully document experimental procedures, protocols, animal records, and research results. Troubleshoot technical and experimental problems and summarize and present results to the research team. Help maintain laboratory equipment, protocols, and SOPs. Maintain laboratory inventory and ensure adequate supplies and equipment are available for ongoing research projects.

Assist with orders and deliveries as needed. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's) Experience with or willingness to learn rodent handling and animal research procedures. Basic laboratory experience in neuroscience, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Motivation to learn new experimental methods and techniques. Strong attention to detail and ability to carefully document experimental procedures and results.

Ability to troubleshoot technical and experimental challenges. Strong organizational and communication skills. Ability to work independently after appropriate training and as part of a collaborative research team. Ability to record, organize, and communicate experimental results clearly.

Physical Demands and Working…