Lab Research Assistant - Biology

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
S05189P
Position Title
Lab Research Assistant - Biology
Department
Biology
Location
Arlington
Job Family
Research
Position Status
Full-time
Work Hours
Standard
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm.
May require occasional evening and weekend hours for urgent experiments or lab maintenance.
Open to
External and Internal
Salary
Salary is commensurate based on qualifications and relevant experience.
Duration
Job terminates
Pay Basis
Monthly
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Benefits at UTA
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University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. UTA is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. The University is committed to providing access and ensuring student success, and to a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization of discoveries by our community of scholars. With an enrollment of more than 40,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 "Very High Research Activity" institution. UTA ranks No. 4 nationally in Military Times' annual "Best for Vets: Colleges" list and is among the top 30 performers nationwide for promoting social mobility of its graduates (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). UTA is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and it has one of the top 5 most ethnically diverse undergraduate student bodies in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). Its approximately 270,000 alumni, including some who occupy leadership positions at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas, contribute to UTA's $22.2 billion annual economic impact on Texas.
Furthermore, UTA is poised to experience widespread growth in the near future. The university recently launched the first phase of its RISE 100 initiative aimed at recruiting 100 new tenure-system faculty to amplify research standing and position UTA as a leader in key scholarly areas; more details are available at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100. The successful candidate for this position will have the opportunity to join UTA during an exciting period of growth and contribute as the university broadens its impact.
Job Summary
The Tang lab at the University of Texas at Arlington, Department of Biology, is looking for a full-time Lab Research Assistant/Research Associate to support the understanding of the pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. gene regulatory projects and maintain research supplies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The Lab Research Assistant will conduct experiments and tests in the field of microbiology and/or cell biology. This will include making measurements and recording data, which will be used in reports and publications. The primary job functions are to perform laboratory procedures in the execution of specific research projects. Experimental techniques to be performed will include:
  • Basic molecular biology, including DNA preparation and PCR
  • Cell culture
  • Protein purification
  • Organize and analyze research data
  • Assist laboratory members with experiments
  • Prepare laboratory reagents
  • Restock laboratory supplies
  • Perform related duties as required
  • Purchasing experimental reagents
  • Overseeing equipment maintenance
• Under general direction of the Assistant Professor, the Lab Research Assistant will maintain a mouse colony, perform experiments on understanding how bacteria successfully colonize eukaryotic hosts and how the immune response effectively eliminates bacterial infections. Experimental techniques to be performed will include:
  • Maintain a breeding colony of mice under specific-pathogen-free conditions, including weaning, ear tagging, genotyping, and updating the mouse census
  • Perform experimental procedures on mice, including bacterial infection (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes), cell/tissue isolation, and bleeding
• The Lab Research Assistant is also expected to participate in regular laboratory meetings and events.
• May include other duties as warranted such as cleaning and stocking.

The offer will be for one year and can be renewed based on funding availability and agreement with the Assistant Professor.
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience working in a research lab setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational, quantitative, computational and record keeping skills,
• Attention to detail,
• Ability to work within a team environment,
• Willingness to work with laboratory mice,
• Ability to work independently.

Other Requirements
Working Conditions
Special Conditions for Eligibility
CBC Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide 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, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University's compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Open Until Filled
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Accepted
3
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.