Sr. Research Associate - Psychiatry

Job Description

This position highly preferres iPSC or RNAseq and bioinformatics experience. Research position available immediately for research on gene therapy for rare genetic diseases including Angelman Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorders.

Gene therapy with adeno-associated virus vectors is the major focus of the laboratory. The project will include work with in vivo modeling, human cell lines, induced-pluripotent stem cells and derived neurons/organoids.

Furthermore, in collaboration with Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc., therapies could progress to clinical trials and beyond.

Candidates with molecular biology experience and familiarity with viral vectors, immunology, patch-clamp electrophysiology and/or biochemistry are encouraged to apply.

Experience and Education

Ph.D. degree with major coursework in field of assignment and no experience required.

Master's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and five (5) years laboratory experience, including at least two (2) years at level of Research Associate or equivalent.

Bachelor's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and six (6) years laboratory experience, including at least two (2) years at level of Research Associate or equivalent.

Job Duties

Organizes laboratory to which assigned; determines work assignments of subordinates, advising them as to techniques, procedures, and equipment to be utilized in solution of work problems; and reviews completed work for professional quality and attainment of desired results. Compiles and evaluates research data; develops new or revised techniques and procedures based upon such data.

Performs or supervises design, development, or adaptation of equipment or apparatus used in research experiments to obtain desired results.

Compiles and analyzes results of research assignments, and submits to principal investigator. Instructs medical students, graduate students, residents, and other laboratory personnel of lower grade with respect to techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized in research or experiments.

Confers with industrial, governmental, or other professional groups with respect to progress or results of research assignment.

Assists principal investigator and other professional personnel in preparation of reports and papers for publication, usually exercising responsibility for writing of particular segment or phase of report or paper.

Performs other duties as assigned. **Other Duties: Performs other duties as assigned.

Security

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information

Salary

Salary Negotiable

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of: race; color; religion; national origin; sex; including sexual harassment; age; disability; genetic information; citizenship status; and protected veteran status. In addition, it is UT Southwestern policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

2021-2022 Benefits Summary

• PPO and ACO Options
• 100% Coverage for Preventative Health No Co-Pay
• Tobacco-Free Incentives
• Generous Prescription Drug Plan
• 3 Options for Dental Coverage
• 2 Options for Vision Coverage
• Abundance of Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

(Eligibility varies by employment status)

• The Teacher Retirement System of Texas is a defined benefit plan with 5-year vesting
• Employee Contribution Max 7.7% of salary
• Employer Contribution Match up to 7.5% of salary
• Optional Retirement Program (ORP) defined contribution plan with 1 year, 1 day vesting
• Employee Contribution Max of 6.65% of salary
• Employer Contribution Match of 8.5% of salary
• Optional Tax-Sheltered Annuity
• Optional Deferred Compensation Plan

• 15 Paid Holidays, Eligible Day 1
• 8 Hours/Month Accrued Vacation
• 8 Hours/Month Accrued Sick Leave

• On-Site Day Care
• Employee Discount Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Voluntary Group Life Coverage
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage

Explore the full range of opportunities we offer within our research areas and labs.

If you want a larger canvas for exploration and discovery, look no further. We have more than 500 labs on campus. Here are just a few of the research investigations you’ll find underway at UT Southwestern Medical Center:

• Use of AI to identify cancer cells
• How Alzheimer’s proteins create dysfunction in fat cells
• A global initiative to map human brain cells
• Use of cryo-electron microscopy to study the atomic structure of key molecules

Work here, and you’ll help us create and conduct translational bench-to-bedside research that quickly moves basic discoveries into treatments that directly benefit patients. Here’s an example: We’ve found that small artificial molecules called peptoids show promise as both diagnostic tools and treatments for various types of cancer. Peptoids can bind to cancerous cells more tightly than normal cells. So our researchers are looking at ways to combine peptoids with anti-cancer drugs to target cancer cells more specifically.

At UT Southwestern, you can be part of our next breakthrough.

As a progressive, innovation-driven medical center, UT Southwestern relies heavily on our lab techs, medical techs, histotechnologists, and cytotechnologists to play a key role in the diagnosis and care planning of patients.

Our broad spectrum of services will present you with opportunities to work across a range of dynamic lab settings. You’ll have abundant tools, training, and support to facilitate your success and professional growth.

For each member of this diverse and collaborative team, we provide excellent benefits, including PTO and pension and retirement plans. When you consider Dallas’ relatively low cost of living and high quality of life, UT Southwestern emerges as your best option for a fulfilling career.

There are many ways to contribute here. As we continue to explore new solutions that will save lives and enhance quality of life for millions, we’re committed to providing rigorous scientific training in both basic and clinical research to scholars across the Medical Center and community. You can take advantage or help support a number of robust programs, such as:

• Disease-Oriented Clinical Scholars
• Endowed Scholars
• Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
• Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP)
• Quantitative and Physical Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research

Fellowship Program (QP-SURF)

• Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern (STARS)
• Endowed Scholars
• Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (SURF)
• UT Dallas Green Fellows

Our research teams help plan, conduct, fund, administer, and report on clinical trials across the broad spectrum of health conditions and diseases. More than 1,000 trials are currently underway, including these areas of medicine:

• 268 in Cancer(STARS)
• 118 in Neurology
• 79 in Children’s Health
• 69 in Digestive Systems & Liver Disease
• 65 in Heart and Vascular
• 64 in Lung Disease & Asthma
• 51 in Blood Disorders