Research Assistant II, Neuroscience

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 employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report , we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! JOB SUMMARYWorks under general direction to either plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in assigned research projects or perform more complex research assignments requiring considerable experience and thorough knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical or scientific research. The Shixuan Liu lab in the Neuroscience Department at UT Southwestern brings together molecular, cellular, and systems approaches to study biological clocks, metabolism, and primate biology. We have opportunities for projects spanning genetics, single-cell omics, disease modeling, behavior studies, and data science. Please visit our lab website for more details: are seeking a highly motivated and responsible Research Associate I, with a strong background in molecular biology and cell culture.Preferred candidates will have:B.S. in Biology or a related field (or equivalent experience)Extensive training in molecular biology with a minimum of 3 years of hands-on experienceDemonstrated ability to work independently to execute, troubleshoot, and optimize experimental workflowsExcellent communication, record-keeping, and strong attention to detailsLab Duties:Establish, and maintain molecular biology and sequencing workflows, including single-cell sequencing pipelines, to support ongoing and new research projects.Lead routine and advanced molecular biology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, sequencing library preparation, and plasmid design, construction, and preparation.Contribute to the design and execution of research projects, with opportunities to develop and lead independent or semi-independent projects as experience and interests align.Support general laboratory operations, including inventory management, ordering reagents and consumables, coordinating with vendors and core facilities, and maintaining shared equipment.Train and mentor junior lab members in established protocols, best practices, and data quality standards.BENEFITSUT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copayPaid Time Off, available day oneRetirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)Paid Parental Leave BenefitWellness programsTuition ReimbursementPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits! EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATIONRequiredEducationMaster's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or Completion of 2 years of college or specialized training in histology, serology, medical technology, etc. or High School Diploma including courses in basic sciences or GED equivalent Experience1 year of experience as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Master's degree or 2 years of experience including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Bachelor's degree or 5 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with two years of college or 7 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with High School Diploma or GED equivalent JOB DUTIESPlans, coordinates, and supervises assigned research projects, which may be limited as segment of larger project, exercising responsibility for project performance and accountability for progress; and/or personally performs advanced scientific and medical research work, suggesting modifications to, or improvements in, design of research projects, presenting original ideas for follow-up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.Constructs, assembles, and operates experimental or other special designed laboratory apparatus and equipment.Assembles and analyzes research data.Assists in preparation of material for reports or publication.May supervise group of Research Technicians and/or Research Assistants of lower grade, making work assignments, advising on work procedures, and reviewing work in process and upon completion.Performs other duties as assigned.SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENTSecurityThis position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.EEOUT 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.

Created: 2026-04-02