Research Scientist

Job Description

Specific professional doctoral degree with five (5) years of relevant research experience is required. Evidence of peer-reviewed scientific publications in the relevant field of specialization is also required. Under the general supervision of Dr. Mengwei Zang at UT Health San Antonio, the successful candidate will support the day-to-day operations of an NIH-funded R01 research study. Responsibilities include planning, designing, coordinating, monitoring, and conducting NIH-funded research projects; conducting animal studies; performing data analysis; and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and participate in the design, execution, and evaluation of innovative research projects on the role of nutrient sensors in metabolic liver disease and aging.
• Manage ongoing projects initiated by the principal investigator, with a major focus on identifying molecular mechanisms regulating cell metabolism and contributing to the development of alcoholic liver disease and metabolic liver disease and aging.
• Generate and analyze preliminary data for the principal investigator to apply for research grants of federal agencies and foundations.
• Develop and implement technical methodologies, including molecular biology techniques such as PCR, real-time PCR, cell culture and transfection, Western blotting, and histological analysis and tissue staining.
• Develop analysis plans and statistical analysis strategies for advanced RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data analyses and organize and maintain research databases.
• Author and co-author scientific publications, present research findings at meetings and conferences, and contribute to the preparation of study protocols and research reports.
• Coordinate in preparing grant applications with designated investigators and research collaborators and independently.
• Supervise the students and researchers.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate the ability to coordinate tasks, manage multiple complex research projects simultaneously, and apply excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, genotyping mice; establishing and maintaining mouse disease models; and administering experimental treatments.
• Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot experimental protocols independently.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain accurate research records, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, research proposals, study reports, and official correspondence.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad Prism, OneNote, email applications, as well as a willingness to learn study-specific software.

Education:

• Master's degree in related field is required.
• Doctorate in a related field is highly preferred.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of related experience is required.
• Five (5) years of related experience is highly preferred.

Required Skills

• Two (2) years of related experience is required.

About Us

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Company Culture. Benefits Overview UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits. Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates. Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist. Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits. Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working. FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses. Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers. Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership. EEO Statement UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.