Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I

Job Description

Job Description

General Notes

The Sabharwal Lab (PI: Dr. Ankit Sabharwal) at the Department of Pediatrics at the Dell Medical School is looking for Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I. This position will end effective one year from start date. Subsequent annual renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding.

Purpose

The Sabharwal laboratory (MitoDynamics lab) at the Dell Pediatric Research Institute studies mitochondrial biology and rare mitochondrial diseases using zebrafish as a model organism. We are looking for a Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I to conduct biological research under the supervision of the PI. Work will span molecular biology, genomics, and zebrafish genetics, with a focus on mitochondrial DNA biology and gene editing. The new member will also be expected to contribute to general laboratory administration and maintenance. The Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant I is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, contributing to research publications, and assisting in the development of new research protocols. 

Responsibilities

• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with research team members, participate actively in lab meetings and discussions, and present research progress and findings. Opportunities to present at scientific conferences may be available.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Record experimental data accurately and assist in data analysis using relevant software tools and statistical methods. Work lab members and students to interpret and communicate findings effectively. Assist in interpretation and preparation of results for publications and presentations.
• Lab and Equipment Maintenance: Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment and instruments and assist with inventory management of laboratory supplies including ordering.
• Laboratory Experiments: Perform molecular, gene editing, and genomics techniques related to mitochondrial biology and metabolism, including tissue sample preparation, cell culture, molecular biology assays, and microscopy.
• Maintain zebrafish colonies in the aquatics facility and support genotyping and breeding operations. Maintain laboratory equipment, manage reagent inventory, and ensure compliance with safety and IACUC protocols.
• Attend weekly lab meetings and report on research progress. Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant support, and onboarding of new lab members as needed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related scientific field. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular biology
• Experience with bioinformatic tools for genomics data analysis
• Familiarity with zebrafish or another genetic model organism

$43,000 + depending on qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

• Standard office equipment
• Repetitive use of a keyboard
• Work in aquatics facility required

• May work around biohazards
• May work around chemicals

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Important   for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.