Basic Scientist

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
parental leave, paid time off, tuition reimbursement
United States, Texas, Dallas
5323 Harry Hines Boulevard (Show on map)
Nov 13, 2024
The Levi Laboratory is seeking a Scientific Faculty at the assistant, associate or professor level with a PhD. Once established, the preferred candidate will be expected to compete and secure internal and extramural research funding at the local-regional and national levels. Faculty will also have the opportunity to be a part of the robust graduate programs at UTSW: https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/education/graduate-school/programs/ The laboratory holds large NIH, CPRIT and DOD awards across a diverse portfolio including musculoskeletal injury, repair and regeneration as well as muscle fibrosis, lymphatic biology and cancer biology. The Levi lab's mission is to improve the lives of people living with skin and musculoskeletal injuries and diseases through rigorous science and compassion. Current projects in the Levi laboratory are related to the molecular biology behind tissue fibrosis and the repair and regeneration process in tendon, muscle, and bone. The laboratory integrates multiomics-based approaches with investigations of musculoskeletal development, homeostasis, repair, and regeneration. The laboratory uses transgenic animal models combined with bioinformatic approaches to understand the cell-cell interactions that occur within the stem cell niche under physiological conditions, and strives to understand how these divergent signaling mechanisms may guide future therapeutic strategies to promote faithful repair of damaged tissue. The scientist will support ongoing molecular biology bench and animal work within the laboratory related to tendon injury/fibrosis, muscle injury/fibrosis, or bone/tendon/muscle regeneration. The ideal candidate should be highly detail-oriented and have a strong collaborative approach. Training will be provided on many lab techniques, but previous experience working with mice and molecular techniques is highly preferred. Expectations Routine molecular bench work combined with the use of animal models Animal handling, injections, modified diet maintenance, surgeries, and sample collection Downstream processing Histology, immunofluorescent stain and confocal imaging, flow cytometry, and work with cell cultures and single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing Experience and Education Ph.D. degree with major coursework in field of assignment and five years of research experience in field of assignment, including at least two years at the level of senior research associate or equivalent or Master's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and seven years of research experience in field of assignment, including at least three years at the level of senior research associate or equivalent or Bachelor's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and nine years of research experience in field of assignment, including at least four years at the level of senior research associate or equivalent Able to utilize a variety of molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to PCR, qPCR, western blotting, RNA/DNA extraction, cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and next-generation sequencing Experience with animal handling, animal breeding, genotyping, and animal surgery Experience with single-cell transcriptomic analyses Experience with histology pipeline from tissue harvest to embedding, sectioning, staining, and confocal microscopy Experience with flow cytometry and mass spectrometry Excellent written and oral communication and organizational skills Able to perform data analysis and interpretation using bioinformatics tools, statistical methods, and relevant software packages Job Duties Animal breeding, genotyping, handling, and surgery Molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to PCR, qPCR, western blotting, RNA/DNA extraction, cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and next-generation sequencing Flow cytometry and mass spectrometry Histology pipeline from tissue harvest to embedding, sectioning, staining, and confocal microscopy Plan, organize, coordinate, direct, and personally participate in assigned scientific research projects Design and execute experiments to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes Determine specific goals or objectives to be attained and assign and review work of subordinates Plan and develop standard operating protocols for experimental protocols Review and analyze resulting research data Revise techniques or approaches to work problems that are indicated as necessary by research data Compile, write, and submit research results to supervisor Prepare or assist in preparation of research papers, reports, and abstracts for publication as one of the coauthors Design, develop, or adapt equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results Plan and supervise training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment, and safety procedures May confer with industrial, governmental, or other groups concerning progress or results of research project Perform other duties as assigned Maintain a respectful and inclusive laboratory environment Maintain a clean and functional workspace Analyze and interpret experimental data using relevant software and statistical methods Stay current with advances in molecular biology research and contribute to the development of new methodologies and techniques Prepare research findings for publication in scientific journals and present results at conferences and meetings, including weekly laboratory meetings and reading/writing clubs Contribute to grant writing and fundraising efforts to support research activities Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to contribute molecular biology expertise to research projects and initiatives Assist in the training and supervision of junior laboratory personnel, including technicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows UTSW ranks among the top academic medical centers in the world. Our distinguished faculty includes active Nobel Prize winners and fifteen Howard Hughes Scholars. Nearly 4,200 medical, graduate, and allied health students along with residents and postdoctoral fellows are trained each year. Our physicians provide care to patients at UTSW university hospitals and clinics as well as three other affiliated hospitals. The Dallas area boasts a low cost of living with diverse neighborhoods and great schools. The area has world-class quality-of-life options, with more than 175 museums, art galleries, premier performance halls, parks, lakes, and golf courses, and seven professional sport franchises. 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. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishments and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule. To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/ 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!