Research Associate, Radiation Oncology

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 perform professional level medical or scientific research assignments related to particular or specialized field of endeavor.

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic, scientifically curious Research Associate to work in the laboratory of Dr. Deepak Nijhawan, Professor, Vice Chair of Research and Chief of Molecular Medicine in the Department of Radiation Oncology. The research program in the Nijhawan lab involves a collaborative approach to understand the mechanism of action for small molecules with interesting biologic activity, identify their molecular targets, and to explore the therapeutic potential of novel compounds. The lab mission is focused on translational opportunities relevant to human disease, with a keen interest in identifying novel cancer therapeutics.

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive individual to perform in vivo studies to support the preclinical development of novel compounds as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate would be self-motivated and possess strong initiative to problem solve and to trouble shoot experimental or technical issues. It is essential that the candidate pay close attention to details and be able to keep careful records of experiments and results. Strong organizational skills, prioritization skills, and time management skills are a must. It will also be important for the candidate to work efficiently and to be able to adapt to changing priorities. Candidates who are eager to learn and be part of a fast-paced research environment will be given the strongest consideration.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Design, planning and execution of various in vivo studies to evaluate novel compounds in preclinical mouse experiments including pharmacokinetic studies, pharmacodynamic studies, and efficacy studies.
• Monitoring and analysis of in vivo studies including but not limited to tumor size, animal health condition, in vivo imaging, and flow cytometry analysis of tissues.
• Administer daily drug treatments to mice and record dosing.
• Assist with the maintenance, care, breeding and genomic screening of mice in laboratory mouse colonies.
• Tissue culture of mammalian cell lines and execution of standard in vitro molecular and biochemical assays.
• Perform animal breeding, genotyping, handling, and surgical procedures.
• Preparation of samples for analysis by mass spectrometry
• Maintain accurate, detailed records and ensure a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
• Analyze and interpret data using appropriate software and statistical tools.
  

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 or
  Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment
  

• Experience
  3 years of laboratory experience with Master's degree including
  2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent or
  4 years of laboratory experience with Bachelor's degree including
  2 years at level of Research Assistant II or equivalent.
  

JOB DUTIES

• Recommends and/or initiates new or modified procedures and techniques based upon latest developments in assigned field or analysis of research data.
• Performs computer programming for accumulation and analysis of research data.
• Designs, constructs, repairs, or modifies electronic and/or mechanical equipment or apparatus used in experiments and research projects.
• Instructs medical students, graduate students, residents, or other laboratory personnel of lower grade with respect to techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized in research or experiments.
• Assists principal investigator and other professional personnel in writing of reports and papers for publication.
• May provide working supervision to employees of lower grade engaged in performance of variety of difficult and complex laboratory work tasks.
• 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
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.