Research Assistant I, Pathology

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 No. 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
Works under general direction to provide responsible and skilled technical assistance in performing assignments requiring experience and good knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical and scientific research.

The Research Assistant will provide laboratory and operational support for the SPARC project, including receipt, processing, preparation, tracking, storage, retrieval, and shipment of research specimens in accordance with established study protocols and procedures. Responsibilities will include maintaining accurate specimen and project documentation, performing timely data entry into appropriate laboratory and research systems, and providing pre-analytical and post-analytical support necessary for efficient project operations. The individual will also assist with specimen inventory, laboratory supplies, storage areas, and general organization of research work areas. The regular work schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM; however, the individual is expected to have flexibility to work during daytime hours as needed for training, meetings, specimen processing, or other project-related activities. The Research Assistant will work collaboratively with investigators, laboratory personnel, research staff, couriers, and other team members to ensure timely completion of project activities while maintaining appropriate safety, confidentiality, institutional, and regulatory standards. The position requires adaptability to changing specimen volumes and project needs, the ability to contribute to a cohesive and professional work environment, and willingness to perform other research-related duties as assigned.

Tuesday through Saturday, 2:00 PM-10:00 PM. The individual must have flexibility to work daytime hours when needed for training, meetings, or other project-related activities.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, accession, process, label, aliquot, and prepare research specimens for testing, storage, or other study-related activities according to established protocols and procedures.
• Manage research specimen storage and retrieval, including organization, inventory, tracking, and maintenance of accurate specimen location and disposition records.
• Prepare, package, document, and coordinate shipment of research specimens to outside laboratories, collaborators, or other designated facilities in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Perform accurate and timely entry and maintenance of specimen, testing, and research-related information in appropriate databases, laboratory systems, spreadsheets, and other project records.
• Support pre-analytical and post-analytical research workflows, including identification and resolution or escalation of specimen, documentation, and data discrepancies.
• Assist with organization and maintenance of research work areas, supplies, specimen storage areas, and other resources necessary for project operations.
• Follow research protocols, laboratory procedures, safety requirements, confidentiality standards, and applicable institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with investigators, laboratory personnel, research staff, couriers, and other team members to support timely and efficient completion of project activities and foster a cohesive and professional work environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to changing specimen volumes, schedules, and project needs, and perform other research-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet applicable UT Southwestern Research Assistant I education and experience requirements. Education or experience in biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science, clinical research, or a related scientific field is preferred.

Experience with biological specimen handling, laboratory or research workflows, data entry, specimen storage, or research databases is preferred. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective communication, basic computer proficiency, and the ability to follow established protocols and procedures.

Physical and Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to routinely work Tuesday-Saturday, 2:00 PM-10:00 PM, with flexibility to work daytime hours when project needs require.
• Ability to stand and perform laboratory-related activities for extended periods as needed.
• Ability to safely lift and move items weighing up to 25 pounds and assist with placement and retrieval of specimens and storage boxes from refrigerators, freezers, and other storage areas.

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 or
  High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  

• 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 or GED equivalent including
  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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Work requires good working knowledge of various types of equipment used in laboratory to which assigned.
• Work requires accuracy and precision in all phases of experimental investigation.
• Work requires exercise of moderate judgment in application of procedures and practices to work problems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

• Handling
• Repetitive Motions
• Sitting
• Standing

Working Conditions

• Hazards
• Laboratory Setting

Salary Information
Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and relevant experience.

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
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.