Research Assistant I, Biochemistry, Hammer Lab

Why UT Southwestern Medical Center?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. At UT Southwestern, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development that align with your future goals and help to provide security for you and your family. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more that are all available on the day you start work. UT Southwestern is honored to be a Veteran Friendly work environment that is home to approximately 800 veterans. We value your integrity, dedication, and the commitment you’ve made to our country. We’re proud to support your next mission. Ranked by Forbes as one of the Top 10 National Employers, we invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities for growth.

Biochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry at UT Southwestern is engaged in vibrant interdisciplinary research at the interface of Chemistry and Biology. Research in the department is centered on understanding how both eukaryotic and bacterial cells function through mechanistic study of metabolic pathways, their catalytic enzymes and their regulatory processes using a range of tools including the development of chemical probes and molecular and biochemical approaches that fuel new discoveries.

The Robert Hammer Lab uses genetically engineered mouse models to investigate the mechanisms by which liver homeostasis is regulated in the face of hepatic injury or pertubations in hepatic cell fate. One area of investigation addresses the role of p53 in sub-lethal hepatic failure using mice that either lack hepatic expression of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) or express a dominantly active form of p53. A second area revolves around the mechanisms by which constitutive activation of wnt/-catenin and notch.

Job Summary

The Hammer lab is looking for a Research Assistant I with experience in mouse husbandry. This role will involve animal work, which will require flexible hours depending on the needs of the experiment. The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic, curious, and passionate about the work that they do within a cutting-edge scientific lab.

Laboratory Duties

• Maintains a large, complex breeding colony of genetically engineered mice
• Performs timed matings of select strains of mice to provide fertilized eggs for culture, micromanipulations and embryo transfer
• Maintains complex surgery suite
• Perform caesarian sections of term pregnant female mice carrying genetically manipulated fetuses
• Performs fostering of pups to surrogate females that have given birth
• Maintains inventories of all the various strains in mice in the colony
• Generates reports of the status of the colony
• Keeps the PI apprised of colony issues and concerns
• Performs controlled drug reconciliation when required
• Helps maintain a large foster female colony
• Performs general husbandry of the colony including cage change outs, room checks and generally maintenance

Experience and Education

• Master's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required. OR
• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and one (1) year research experience at level of Research Technician or equivalent. OR
• Two (2) years college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment and four (4) years research experience including two (2) years at level of Research Technician or equivalent. OR
• High school graduation or GED and six (6) years research experience to include two (2) years at level of Research Technician or equivalent.

Job Duties

• Performs more difficult scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records and evaluates data obtained from work assignments for use in scientific papers.
• Collaborates with supervisor or other research personnel in preparation of scientific papers for publication.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning procedures and implementation.
• Collects and organizes research data for project reports.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of Research Technicians or other laboratory personnel of lower grade.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.