Research Associate

Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Molecular Biology
Reports To: Peter Douglas

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Research Associate to join our research team. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and conducting laboratory work involving the care, breeding, and handling of laboratory mice. This role requires extensive experience in mouse colony management, genotyping, IACUC protocol development, cell culture skills and technical procedures to support biomedical research. The successful candidate will also play a critical role in supporting in vivo and in vitro studies, ensuring high-quality data collection and compliance with ethical and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Animal Care & Colony Management:

Oversee and manage mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, and maintaining genetic lines. Perform routine mouse husbandry, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, and record-keeping. Administer experimental procedures such as injections (IP, IV, SC), tissue collection, and surgical techniques. Monitor animal health and welfare, ensuring compliance with IACUC protocols and institutional guidelines. Assist in developing and optimizing in vivo models for disease research.

Technical Procedures & Research Support:

Conduct genotyping, including ear punching, tail snipping, DNA extraction, and PCR analysis. Perform injections (IP, SC, IV), oral gavage, blood collection, and tissue sampling. Assist in surgical procedures, anesthesia, and post-operative care. Support researchers in experimental procedures and data collection. Must have strong cell culture experience.

Compliance & Facility Management:

Ensure adherence to IACUC protocols, ethical standards, and animal welfare regulations. Maintain accurate documentation for inspections and regulatory compliance. Train and mentor junior technicians and research staff on proper mouse handling techniques. Collaborate with veterinarians, facility managers, and research teams to optimize care and research outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in animal science, biology, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience in laboratory animal research, with a focus on mouse models and cell culture techniques.

Skills & Certifications: Proficiency in mouse handling, breeding strategies, and colony management. Strong technical expertise in genotyping, injections, blood collection, and surgical assistance. Understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., IACUC, AAALAC, USDA).

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong problem-solving and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement plan options. Professional development and training opportunities. Join our team and contribute to groundbreaking research that advances scientific discoveries in the fields of aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration.