Research Assistant I, Park Lab

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 patients and employees. With over 20,000 employees, we are committed to continuing our growth with the best professionals in the healthcare industry. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities for growth.

Biomedical Imaging, a key diagnostic method that visualizes the internal structure, function, and metabolism of the human body, provides essential information about various diseases, as well as their progression and therapy response. In vivo imaging also delivers instrumental information for basic and preclinical research.

AIRC researchers develop innovative imaging technology to push the current boundaries of biomedical imaging with respect to spatial and temporal resolution, functional and metabolic specificity, as well as speed and spatial coverage. In collaboration with clinical and basic science researchers, these novel technologies are evaluated, refined, and finally translated into clinical diagnostic and clinical, pre-clinical, and basic science research.

The AIRC supports the research of more than 120 PIs across the UTSW campus and in the North Texas research community. It allows access to all imaging instrumentation, providing data acquisition and analysis services. Collaborators and core facility users of the AIRC seek to advance basic understanding, diagnostic techniques, and treatments for a wide range of diseases of the brain, body, and musculoskeletal system. Respective research includes cancer, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, depression, autism, attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), inborn genetic disorders, and diseases of the heart, lung, and liver.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and responsible Research Assistant to join Dr. Jae Mo Park's lab and support ongoing projects centered around imaging, cellular metabolism, MRI/MRS techniques, and hyperpolarized substrates. For more information about the lab, please visit: https://labs.utsouthwestern.edu/park-lab. This role involves active participation in experimental planning, equipment management, animal studies, and probe development.
Key responsibilities include assisting in experiments, preparing imaging agents, and analyzing imaging and metabolomics data. We value efficient organization, thorough record-keeping, and excellent communication skills.
Preferred qualifications include prior laboratory experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, or imaging, along with thorough knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical or scientific research and proficiency in basic computer skills.

Specific Job Duties

1. Plans, coordinates, and supervises assigned research projects, which may be limited as segment of larger project, exercising responsibility for project performance and accountability for progress; and/or personally performs advanced scientific and medical research work, suggesting modifications to, or improvements in, design of research projects, presenting original ideas for follow-up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.
2. Handles animals (rats and mice) during studies and may perform tissue collection.
3. Perform simple chemical syntheses or reactions.
4. Prepares reagents, orders inventory and operates equipment for both clinical and animal studies.
5. Stays updated by reading relevant literature and consulting with the supervisor to ensure proper implementation of procedures.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

• 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 and one (1) year research experience at level of Research Technician or equivalent. OR
• Two (2) years college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment and four (4) years research experience including two (2) years at level of Research Technician or equivalent. OR
• High school graduation or GED and six (6) years research experience to include two (2) years at level of Research Technician or equivalent.

• 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.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/

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!