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 Hooper Lab at UT Southwestern is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician II to support cutting-edge research focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern intestinal host-microbial interactions. Our research investigates how bacteria and the intestinal epithelium communicate, using advanced gnotobiotic (germ-free) mouse models and molecular biology techniques to study the complex relationships between the gut microbiota and host health.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative biomedical research in a collaborative laboratory environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining germ-free mouse colonies, supporting animal husbandry activities within a specialized gnotobiotic facility, monitoring colony sterility, conducting laboratory experiments, collecting and processing samples, and assisting with molecular and microbiological analyses.
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related life sciences field, strong attention to detail, and a willingness to work extensively with laboratory mice. Previous experience with animal handling, research laboratory procedures, or microbiology is preferred but not required. Candidates should be organized, dependable, and eager to contribute to research that advances our understanding of the microbiome and its impact on human health.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain and monitor germ-free mouse colonies in a gnotobiotic facility.
Perform routine animal husbandry and handling procedures.
Assist with sterility testing and contamination monitoring of mouse colonies.
Assist with microbiological, molecular, and cell biology experiments.
Support ongoing research projects studying host-microbe interactions within the gastrointestinal tract.
Follow established protocols and safety procedures for animal and laboratory research.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Biotechnology, or related field.
Interest in microbiome, immunology, microbiology, or translational biomedical research.
Willingness to work extensively with mice and learn specialized gnotobiotic techniques.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research setting.
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.
