Research Specialist

Title: Research Specialist

Employee Classification: Research Specialist

Campus: University of North Texas - Health Science Center

Division: HSC-Provost & Exec VP

Sub Division-Department: HSC-CBTS-Office of the Dean

Department: HSC-Pharmacology & Neuroscience-302700

Job Location: Fort Worth

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

Pharmacology and Neuroscience Department plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of drug actions and the nervous system. It integrates basic science with clinical applications, aiming to improve human health through innovative research and education.

Position Overview

A position is open for a research assistant to join an NIH-funded lab focusing on developing novel therapeutics for Keratoconus (KC) using quantitative chemoproteomics and covalent drug discovery. The primary purpose of this role is to provide autonomous operational management of the lab’s tissue culture environment and to execute end-to-end research projects. Unlike a traditional assistant role, this position is responsible for the intellectual and technical "ownership" of cell-based experiments, from initial design and SOP development to final data analysis. This role exists to bridge the gap between high-level faculty oversight and entry-level technical support. By delegating independent experimental design and the maintenance of critical laboratory standards (SOPs) to this position, the lab ensures consistent data integrity and operational efficiency without requiring constant PI intervention in daily routines.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Employees in this job may be responsible for conducting research on, working on, or having the ability to access critical organizational infrastructure and they must be able to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure related to this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of scientific research techniques, methods and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with fellow researchers, staff members, faculty, supervisors and students.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Academic writing skills.
• Cell Culture Operations & Protocol Management.
• Responsible for the autonomous development and maintenance of SOPs.
• Advanced Bioassays & Drug Screening.
• Troubleshoots experimental variables independently to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of results.
• Data Analysis & Research Communication.
• Compliance & Safety Oversight.
• Mentorship & Collaborative Leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of one year of professional experience working in a biology laboratory environment is preferred.

Job Duties

• Manage the comprehensive tissue culture environment and conduct cell culture experiments.
• Responsible for the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and keep detailed logs to ensure consistent laboratory standards and data integrity.
• Assist in the design and execute high-throughput drug screening protocols and plate reader-based bioassays. Troubleshoots experimental variables to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of results.
• Processes and interprets experimental data to generate formal reports. Provides critical technical assistance in the preparation of grant proposals and participates in research narrative discussions to align lab activities with project goals.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for laboratory safety; ensures the lab meets all institutional biosafety and chemical hazardous material standards to successfully pass periodic inspections. Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
• Provides technical training to students and junior lab members on cell culture techniques and bioassay protocols. Facilitates collaborative workflows within the research team to optimize lab productivity.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
• Work with toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.