Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III

Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III

The Ressl Laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin is looking for an experienced and highly organized Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III to serve as a central scientific and operational anchor of the lab. Join us to investigate how synapses are built and maintained at the molecular level, focusing on the structure and function of the protein complexes that organize synaptic connections.

Building on recent data and funded grants, you will help expand this work toward biomarker discovery of synapse health relevant to memory & learning, aging, neurodegeneration, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. This direction connects our structural and biochemical foundation to translational questions about how the brain changes with age and disease, and how early synaptic changes might be detected or targeted.

Looking for a self-directed scientist who can advance professional-level research with minimal oversight while helping keep the lab running smoothly. Working directly with the Principal Investigator, you will handle eukaryotic cell culture and cell-line development, protein expression and purification, biochemical/biophysical characterization, and electron microscopy imaging and analysis. There will be opportunity for scientific autonomy, a collegial and respectful working environment, mentorship and continuing-education support, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to discoveries.

The position will be full-time and benefits eligible. Initial assignment will be for one year. Subsequent renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding.

Purpose

Provide research support and operational lab support.

Responsibilities

Research:

• Tissue culture laboratory experiments, including establishing and maintaining cell lines, and eukaryotic protein expression (BSL-2)
• Protein purification and biochemical/biophysical characterization of protein complexes
• Electron microscopy imaging and associated data analysis

  Laboratory operations and management:

  • Laboratory operations and management, including reagent and supply ordering, inventory, safety-protocol compliance, and some training and/or oversight of undergraduate researchers

    Required Qualifications

    • Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, or a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of related research experience; OR a Bachelor's degree in one of these fields and a minimum of four (4) years of related research experience
    • Demonstrated experience in eukaryotic cell culture (BSL-2), including establishing and maintaining cell lines
    • Experience with eukaryotic protein expression and protein purification
    • Experience with biochemical and/or biophysical protein characterization
    • Experience with electron microscopy imaging and associated image/data analysis
    • Strong laboratory organization, record-keeping, and time-management skills
    • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to exercise sound scientific judgment
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; a dependable, collaborative team member

      Preferred Qualifications

      • Experience various types of tissue and protein sample preparation for electron and fluorescence microscopy and respective image analysis workflows
      • Experience with virus-driven eukaryotic expression systems
      • Prior experience training or supervising undergraduate researchers
      • Prior laboratory-management or laboratory-coordination experience
      • Proficiency with electron microscopy data-analysis software and electronic laboratory notebooks

        Salary

        $55,000+ depending on experience

        Working Conditions

        • May work around chemical fumes
        • May work around standard office conditions
        • May work around biohazards
        • May work around chemicals
        • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

          Required Materials

          • Resume/CV
          • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
          • Letter of interest