Research Technician II, Orthopaedic Surgery

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 minimal supervision to provide responsible technical assistance in performance of assignments requiring basic knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of science. 

The Hernandez Lab explores structural, cellular, and mechanobiological aspects of sexual dimorphism and sex hormones in cartilage health and osteoarthritis. Working in close collaboration with engineers and orthopedic surgeons, our research examines how sex-specific differences in the knee joint may contribute to higher incidence and severity of osteoarthritis in women later in life. Our research team also investigates the role hormones play in the production of cartilage extracellular and pericellular matrices throughout the lifespan. We use atomic force microscopy to measure the nanomechanical properties of cells and tissues, and bioreactors to investigate chondrocyte mechanotransduction.

We are searching for a Research Assistant I.  The ideal candidate will have proven experience in cell culture, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology, and have excellent communication skills. Additionally, preferred skills are histology, tissue sectioning, and knowledge or experience working in bioengineering. Knowledge in tissue mechanics and musculoskeletal biology is a plus.

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
  Bachelor's Degree With major coursework in field of assignment and no experience or 
  Two (2) years of college with emphasis in coursework in field of assignment or 
  High School Diploma or GED equivalent 
   

• Experience
  No experience required with Bachelor's Degree or 
  2 years of laboratory experience at level of Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent with two (2) years of college or 
  4 years of laboratory experience including two years at level of Laboratory Technical Assistant or equivalent with High School Graduation or GED equivalent 
   

JOB DUTIES

• Performs routine scientific and medical research work in science area such as biology, chemistry, physics, or other related scientific field.
• Assembles and/or operates various laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Records research data in accordance with prescribed procedures, discussing results with supervisor.
• Assists in collection of data for project reports.
• Reads literature and confers with supervisor concerning implementation of new procedures.
• May plan for, and provide working supervision to, work of laboratory personnel of lower grade engaged in limited phase of research project.
• 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.