Research Assistant

The Center for Advanced Pain Studies at UT Dallas has an opening for a Research Assistant I to join the Price Lab and support patch clamp electrophysiology studies.

This specific position will work on NIH grant funded projects that are aimed at understanding the mechanisms and treatments of chronic pain in preclinical models and with human tissues recovered from organ donors. The applicant should have experience with patch clamp electrophysiology, cell culture, and tissue dissociation. This position will provide technical assistance for various research projects and conducts research activities according to research protocol.

The Price laboratory is interested in the fundamental principles underlying neuronal plasticity leading to chronic pain. The lab aims to develop novel therapeutics based on these discoveries with the potential to either prevent the development of or permanently reverse chronic pain states. We focus on two major areas: plasticity in peripheral nociceptive neurons following injury and plasticity in central nervous system circuits that result from persistent stimulation of peripheral nociceptors.

We utilize molecular, biochemical, genetic, behavioral, imaging and electrophysiological techniques combined with an overarching interest in pharmacology and drug discovery to tackle this problem.

This position is 100% grant funded. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory job performance.

Bachelor’s degree in one of the basic sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience in customer service or in daily interactions in a public services environment.

• Experience with patch clamp electrophysiology
• Hands on experience in a biology laboratory.
• Strong technical knowledge of molecular biology methods
• Technical knowledge in molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR , nucleic acid purification) and cell biology techniques (e.g. cell culture, confocal microscopy) is also preferred.

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.

• This position provides an opportunity to lead and run experiments under the supervision of the PI and postdocs
• Assist with patch clamp electrophysiology studies using human DRG neurons
• Provide technical and research support for key laboratory personnel
• Responsible for the careful documentation of the experimental procedures and results they generate
• Help maintain lab equipment and SOPs
• Troubleshoot and address technical problems as well as summarize and present results
• Manage rodent colonies used for research experiments
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff
• Ability to record and report results with clarity
• Persistence, attention to details, and willingness to troubleshoot technical challenges
• Motivation to learn and master new methods and techniques
• Organizational and planning abilities to work within deadlines

This position is 100% onsite and in-person.

This position may be subject to occasional travel for conferences, training, and development, or for other project needs.

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Optional Long and Short-term Disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, Linked In Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate…