Temporary Non-Benefits - Lab Manager

Job Title and Compensation Temporary non‑benefits – Lab Manager (Part time). Salary $25 per hour. Part‑time position, 19.5 hours per week. Located in Dallas, Texas. Temporary role on hourly pay basis. Job Summary Dr. Kirupa Suthakar, Principal Investigator of the Descending Auditory Circuits (DAC) Laboratory invites applications for a highly motivated and organized temporary lab manager. The ideal candidate will have prior basic science laboratory exposure including neuroscience research, rodent handling, mouse colony management, wet‑bench laboratory skills, and experience working with Microsoft Office software. The successful candidate will support everyday laboratory operations, conduct experiments, and contribute meaningfully to lab growth. The lab’s research focuses on understanding neural circuits in the descending auditory system, specifically how auditory brainstem neurons encode acoustic information and identifying/characterizing neuromodulatory pathways that influence sound processing in the brain and cochlea. Using normal hearing and noise‑induced hearing loss models, long‑term goals include improving basic knowledge of brain processes that modulate sound encoding by the cochlea and identifying translatable therapeutic otoprotective targets to reduce susceptibility to hearing disorders caused by acoustic overexposures (i.e., noise trauma). This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a collaborative research network spanning the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Located in the brand‑new Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (TI‑BMES) building, the successful applicant will be affiliated with both UTD and UTSW and gain exposure to a variety of research environments. The temporary position is suited for someone with an interest in pursuing a PhD, seeking hands‑on research experience, and receiving direct mentorship from a supportive PI. Minimum Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent Negative TB test Cleared criminal background check Preferred Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry or related field Prior neuroscience/basic scientific laboratory experience Experience working with rodent models and mouse colony management Proficiency in basic laboratory techniques and equipment Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Excellent communication skills Enthusiastic commitment to basic scientific research in auditory neuroscience Experience preparing brain tissue for immunohistochemistry and microscopy Interest in learning to perform rodent survival surgeries and auditory function testing Stereotaxic or other animal surgery experience Experience with electrophysiology Comfortable working with various scientific equipment (e.g., microscopes, amplifiers, pipette pullers, etc.) Strong statistical (Excel, GraphPad Prism) and/or programming skills (e.g., R, MATLAB, Python) Other Qualifications To the extent this position requires 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 for hiring and continued employment. Duties & Responsibilities Administrative and technical operations in the lab Oversee ordering, logistics and regulatory compliance Oversee management of the mouse colony Maintain a clean and organized lab environment Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment Keep laboratory inventory spreadsheets up to date Perform routine laboratory tasks, including preparation of solutions, reagents, etc. Develop or modify techniques and protocols Contribute to ongoing projects in the lab Train others in the lab Assist in the preparation of laboratory reports and presentations Support ongoing immunohistochemical and microscopy‑based analysis of brain and cochlear tissue Work independently performing a wide range of routine and specialized laboratory duties Perform other duties as assigned Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Basic understanding of neuroscience/biology Wet bench lab skills – pipetting, solution calculations, dilutions, etc. Excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong interpersonal abilities Effective time management and problem‑solving skills Detail‑oriented and takes initiative Ability to troubleshoot and work independently Team‑player – receives feedback and works well with others Consistent, reliable and trustworthy Collegiate and professional Proficient working with computers and technologically savvy Additional Information Work Notice: This position is on‑site and in‑person only. Remote work on tasks such as writing or data analysis may be discussed on an ad hoc basis. Work Hours: 19.5 hours per week. Travel: This position may be subject to local travel for training/development or conference attendance. EEO Statement University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Texas at Dallas