Research Assistant I, Neurology

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 SUMMARY
The Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center is a nationally recognized leader in the comprehensive management of neurological conditions. Our vibrant department comprises more than 75 full-time faculty in 12 subspecialty sections, supporting a spectrum of complex and innovative approaches to neurological care, a broad range of novel research programs, and a panoply of educational opportunities for trainees. The department offers access to the latest innovative treatments in one of the most rapidly advancing fields of medicine and features an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center and a Level-4 NEAC Epilepsy Center. Through collaborations with the O'Donnell Brain Institute, the department is building state-of-the art facilities for drug and device testing and bringing current and new faculty together for collaborative research on brain disease therapy.

The Hajjar Lab within the Department of Neurology is seeking an experienced Research Assistant. The Research Assistant will work as part of a clinical research team, primarily focusing on biospecimen processing and data collection. The successful candidate will be trained to operate a Sphygmocor machine for Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) and Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA) measurements, as well as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging. This position is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong foundation in laboratory techniques to expand their skill set and contribute to cutting-edge research. Work will be performed primarily in a laboratory environment with some interaction with research patients. Flexible hours may be required based on study needs.

Job duties will include:

• Biospecimen Processing: Receive, process, and store various biological samples (e.g., blood, tissue, etc.) according to established protocols.
• Sphygmocor Operation: (Following training) Operate the Sphygmocor machine to collect PWV and PWA data from research participants.
• OCT Imaging: (Following training) Perform OCT imaging on research participants, ensuring accurate data collection.
• Data Collection and Entry: Accurately record and input study data into electronic databases.
• Laboratory Maintenance: Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring a clean and safe work environment.
• Research Support: Assist with other research-related tasks as needed, such as literature reviews or protocol development.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Laboratory Skills: Proficiency in standard laboratory techniques, including pipetting, centrifugation, and sample preparation.
• Data Management: Attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and recording.
• Technical Aptitude: Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and operate specialized equipment.
• Communication: Effective communication skills to interact with research participants, colleagues, and investigators.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary research team.

BENEFITS
UT 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 coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required

• Education
  Master's Degree With major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required. or
  Bachelor's Degree With major coursework in field of assignment. or
  Completion of 2 years of college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment
  High School Graduation or GED

• Experience
  1 year Research experience at level of Research Technician or equivalent with Bachelor's degree. or
  4 years Research experience including two years at level of Research Technician or equivalent with 2 years of college. or
  6 years Research experience with High School Diploma and 2 years at level of Research Technician or equivalent.

JOB DUTIES

• Performs more difficult scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records and evaluates data obtained from work assignments for use in scientific papers.
• Collaborates with supervisor or other research personnel in preparation of scientific papers for publication.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning procedures and implementation.
• Collects and organizes research data for project reports.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of Research Technicians or other laboratory personnel of lower grade.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO Statement
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.

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