Posted: Nov 20, 2024

Research Scientist Associate I, College of Sciences, Neuroscience Development & Regenerative Biology

University of Texas at San Antonio - San Antonio, TX

Full-time

Application Deadline: Nov 23, 2024

Location: San Antonio, TX

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job ID: 12802

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Org Marketing Statement

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cybersecurity, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. With more than 35,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on career readiness the university produces more graduates for the workforce than any other institution in the region. It is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property — for Texas, the nation and the world. UTSA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more https://www.utsa.edu/, on https://www.utsa.edu/today/ or on https://twitter.com/utsa, https://www.instagram.com/utsa/, https://www.facebook.com/utsa, https://www.youtube.com/user/utsaor https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-university-of-texas-at-san-antonio/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_university_admin%3BFcmdPCevQ7ebJE1xpIJlRw%3D%3D.

In 2024, the https://www.utsa.edu/today/2024/08/story/utsa-and-ut-health-san-antonio-merger-announced.html authorized UT System to begin integrating UTSA and UT Health San Antonio into one unified institution, establishing a world-class university that integrates academic, research, and clinical excellence to build a profoundly impactful university of the future. Driven by a vision for growth and impact, this merger will expand capacity to offer robust undergraduate and graduate programs, attract top-tier faculty and staff, develop innovative initiatives, and elevate transdisciplinary research to address the evolving needs of the region.

Posting End Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 11/23/2024. At the discretion of the hiring department, this position posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Salary Range: Up to $35,000 annualized, commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

Hours: up to 40 hours per week, non-exempt.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume is required.
• Cover letter is preferred.

Essential Functions

Job Summary

Perform experiments and analysis in the laboratory to investigate the functions, types, neuroanatomical distributions, and plasticity of trigeminal (TG) neurons innervating the Temporomandibular joint in mouse models. We have two primary goals: 1) to label neuron terminals innervating the masseter muscle and other TMJ tissues using lectins and AAV approaches to identify the trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating those tissues in mice. 2) By combining this with in vivo functional imaging of trigeminal neuron responses to relevant somatosensory stimuli (brush, pinch, and jaw movement), we will catalog the responsivity of these neurons and neuronal subtypes. The research assistant will learn, apply, and document tracing and imaging analysis protocols and pipelines to ensure data harmonization within and across groups in our research consortium.

This is a grant-funded position with an expected end date of 08/31/2025. This position may be extended based on availability of funds and departmental need.

Core Responsibilities

• Responsible for evaluation, selection, and application of scientific techniques used in routine research.
• Collects, prepares, analyzes, dissects, and evaluates specimens and/or tissue cultures.
• Performs professional research including performing experiments; gathering and analyzing data and samples; setting up/operating equipment; and inspecting minor fabrication, erection, or assembly for conformance to specifications.
• Performs specified phases of research projects to include making and recording observations and measurements; compiles data; processes paperwork; maintain lab accounts; writes technical reports; and assists in the writing and editing process of grants.
• Assists in making chemical analyses of body fluids and tissues; performs venipuncture and obtains blood specimens.
• Weighs and anesthetizes laboratory animals for experiments and maintains records on such animals relative to feeding and physical condition.
• Operates laboratory equipment; contributes to laboratory maintenance.
• Performs calculations to complete research test results; collates data; performs statistical analysis of lab results and maintains notes and log or computer database; performs basic procedures for computer-assisted data analysis.
• Collects and organizes information for various reports.
• Assists in small animal surgery.
• Trains incoming and existing students on experimental procedures and assists with students' papers prior to submission for journals or for class.
• Participates in training sessions and workshops.
• Promotes safety and environmental protection by immediately reporting unsafe situations, spills, and accidents; following University safety plans/procedures/protocols; and participating in appropriate safety training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the field of assignment.
• One (1) year of related research experience.
• Knowledge of statistical data collection, editing, validation, and analysis techniques.
• Ability to develop and implement clinical research monitoring plans and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to develop technical reports and manuscripts.
• Ability to make evaluative judgments.
• Ability to communicate and interact competently and professionally at all levels.
• Ability to establish data collection and management guidelines.
• Ability to provide technical advice, guidance, and support to professional staff in an area of specialty.
• Demonstrates good time management and organizational skills
• Strong communication skills for writing papers, reports, and bids and for giving presentations.

Additional Information

• UTSA is a tobacco free campus.
• This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.
• Exposure to potential occupational hazards including toxic, biological, and chemical hazards within certain laboratory spaces.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
• Exposure to biological hazards.
• Exposure to combustible materials.
• The ability to work safely with chemical disinfectants, handle some unpleasant elements, and tolerate normal odors/airborne particulate matter of a rodent facility is required.
• Ability to wear PPE including laboratory coat, disposable laboratory coat, face mask, eyes splash shield, face shield, eye protection, head cover, disposable gloves, sleeve covers, shoe covers, rubber boots, and N-95 respirator.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to push, pull, or lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
• Repetitive motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Reaching overhead, at or below shoulder level.
• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

This position will be primarily located on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UTSA campuses are accessible to persons with disabilities.

To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to https://apptrkr.com/5815958

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