Research Assistant I, Calvier Lab

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
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 laboratory of Dr. Laurent Calvier located in the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, USA) is seeking a highly motivated, proactive, independent technician to investigate neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. The main project for this position is centered around drug development (antibodies, nanobodies, and small drugs). Besides the main project, the candidate is expected to participate in other active projects in the lab, such as: Brain to periphery immune communication; Blood-brain barrier dysfunction; Neuroinflammation-induced neuronal dysfunction; chronic inflammatory diseases; and auto-immune diseases.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific field and expertise in one of the following drug developments:

• Antibody/nanobody development (immunization, selection, cloning, affinity maturation, humanization, hybridoma/yeast culture, ...),
• Small drug development (production of recombinant proteins, high-throughput screening, hit validation, drug optimization, lead compound efficacy and safety tests).
• Expertise in routine molecular analysis techniques (Western blot, RT-qPCR, ELISA, IF, IHC)
• Experience with cell culture (bacteria or yeast, mammalian cells)

Optional (opportunities for skill development available):

• Proficiency in mouse handling and experiments.
• MRI, brain surgery, behavioral experiments on small animals.
• 2-photon microscopy, Intravital microscopy.
• FACS, RNA sequencing (total, single-cell, spatial).
• Cloning, CRISPR-Cas9, gene therapy.
• In vitro endothelial-leukocyte adhesion and transmigration assays.
• Good writing and presentation skills in English, with the ability to write protocols, communicate results effectively, and present data clearly and confidently.

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 Graduation or GED

• Experience
  1 year Research experience at level of Research Technician or equivalent wtih 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 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.

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.

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!