Sr. Research Associate, Herz Lab

Sr. Research Associate, Molecular Genetics, Li Lab

Why UT Southwestern?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion.

As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued patients and employees.

With over 20,000 employees, we are committed to continuing our growth with the best professionals in the healthcare industry.

We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities for growth.

Molecular Genetics

The Department of Molecular Genetics applies powerful tools of molecular biology to problems of clinical medicine with heavy emphasis on genetic and metabolic disorders.

Identification and characterization of malfunctioning genes in disease can lead not only to better treatment of the disease but also to understanding how the genes operate in the normal state.

The Department of Molecular Genetics faculty holds some of science’s highest awards and recognitions :

• Two Nobel Laureates
• Three Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators
• Five National Academy of Sciences members
• Three National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) members

Dr. Joachim Herz Laboratory

The Dr. Joachim Herz laboratory is seeking a Sr. Research Associate. The mission of the Herz Lab is to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which an ancient class of conserved and structurally closely related cell surface receptors, the LDL receptor gene family, controls fundamental signaling pathways that are essential for brain development, neurotransmission, and vessel wall integrity, and that broadly impact human diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis.

In our quest to understand the underlying biochemical principles by which these proteins induce or modulate such a variety of superficially unrelated cellular and developmental events, we study the function of these genes by selectively and specifically altering them in the mammalian organism.

Job Summary

The Sr. Research Associate is responsible for planning & executing experiments to meet Center project goals in collaboration with team members.

Work will require doing cell culture, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, protein purification, molecular pharmacology, toxicology, and organic biochemistry.

This individual will recommend & or initiate new or modified procedures & techniques based upon latest project developments.

Additionally, they will perform computer programming for accumulation & analysis of data. Candidate is expected to instruct & provide working supervision to lab personnel of lower grade engaged in performance of a variety of research tasks.

We are looking for someone who is organized, pro-active & able to assemble & operate various lab equipment. Individual will assist PI & other personnel in writing of reports & papers.

Individual will carry out additional experiments & assume other job duties as required to ensure sustained Center operations & as directed by PI.

Must be willing to work with rodents.

Preferred Skills

Candidate must be able to perform :

• Cell culture
• Western blotting
• Immunoprecipitation
• Immunofluorescence
• Protein purification
• Molecular pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Organic biochemistry skills

Experience and Education

• Ph.D. degree with major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required. OR
• Master’s degree with major coursework in field of assignment and five (5) years laboratory experience, including at least two (2) years at level of Research Associate or equivalent. OR
• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in field of assignment and six (6) years laboratory experience, including at least two (2) years at level of Research Associate or equivalent.

Job Duties

Organizes laboratory to which assigned; determines work assignments of subordinates, advising them as to techniques, procedures, and equipment to be utilized in solution of work problems;

and reviews completed work for professional quality and attainment of desired results.

• Compiles and evaluates research data; develops new or revised techniques and procedures based upon such data.
• Performs or supervises design, development, or adaptation of equipment or apparatus used in research experiments to obtain desired results.
• Compiles and analyzes results of research assignments, and submits to principal investigator.
• Instructs medical students, graduate students, residents, and other laboratory personnel of lower grade with respect to techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized in research or experiments.
• Confers with industrial, governmental, or other professional groups with respect to progress or results of research assignment.
• Assists principal investigator and other professional personnel in preparation of reports and papers for publication, usually exercising responsibility for writing of particular segment or phase of report or paper.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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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.