Research Technician II, Biochemistry, McKnight 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.

Job Summary

The Dr. Steven McKnight Lab is looking for a Research Technician II with a molecular biology background to work in a highly active research laboratory. The McKnight Lab divides its efforts and interests between studies of P7C3, a neuroprotective chemical, and studies of intrinsically disordered "low complexity" (LC) sequences associated with DNA and RNA regulatory proteins. We hypothesize that these LC sequences reversibly polymerize in a manner that facilitates sub-cellular organization. The later ideas point toward a "solid-state" conceptualization of information transfer from gene to message to protein.

Lab Responsibilities will include:

• Performing molecular biology and cell culture experiments
• Assisting with the advancement of Postdoctoral trainee projects
• DNA purification
• Agarose gel electrophoresis
• PCR, etc...

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in molecular biology and cell culture experiments
• Familiarity with biology and/or chemistry (coursework and/or lab experience)
• Be able to work in a team setting with seasoned employees
• Good communication skills

Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required. OR
• Two (2) years college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment and two (2) years of laboratory experience at level of Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent. OR
• High school graduation or GED and four (4) years laboratory experience to include two (2) years at level of Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent.

Job Duties

• Performs routine scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Assembles and/or operates various laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records research data in accordance with prescribed procedures, discussing results with supervisor.
• Assists in collection of data for project reports.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning implementation of new procedures.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of laboratory personnel of lower grade engaged in limited phase of research project.
• 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.