Research Associate - Molecular Biologist

About the role

• Job Posting Title: Research Associate - Molecular Biologist
• Hiring Department: Molecular Biosciences
• Position Open To: All Applicants
• Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40
• FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA
• Earliest Start Date: Immediately
• Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jul 14, 2027
• Location: AUSTIN, TX

Job Details

Purpose

The purpose of this position is to perform molecular biology research related to NIH grants.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research experiments using a wide variety of techniques, such as biochemical assays and electrophoresis, growth of bacteria, preparation of plasmid DNA, cloning and mutagenesis of plasmid DNA, isolation of RNA and DNA from cells, PCR and RT-PCR, Southern and Northern blotting, and reporter assays, protein expression and purification, in vitro mutagenesis, and biochemical assays, Next-generation RNA sequencing, RNA-seq library construction, and data analysis.
• Provide instruction, assistance and mentoring to graduate students.
• Write manuscripts and assist in the preparation of reports, abstracts, manuscripts and proposals. Make presentations at lab meetings, attend lab meetings and other meetings. Order chemicals and supplies specific to current project.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, biology, molecular biology or closely related field.
• History of research productivity as evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a broad group of faculty, staff, and students, including the willingness and ability to mentor graduate students.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Relevant laboratory experience with various molecular biological techniques. Three years of post-doctoral experience in a relevant field.

Working Conditions

• Personal protection equipment (furnished)
• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around bio-hazards
• May work around chemicals

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin
• Letter of interest

Additional information

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply.

This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.