Research Scientist Associate Ii/Iii - Genomics Core

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 34,300 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 online, on UTSA Today or on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

Posting End Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 7/15/2024. 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 $48,649/Annualized, commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

Hours: 40 hours per week, exempt.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume is required.

• Cover letter is required.

Essential Functions

Job Summary

Function: To perform engineering of scientific duties requiring special qualifications or attainments with wide latitude for independent actions and decisions.

Scope: Responsible for complex or unusual research assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures.

Core Responsibilities

• Plans, performs, and schedules routine Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), gene expression, and genotyping assays; and assists with progress/project reporting.

• Operates and maintains Illumina MiSeq DNA Sequencer, QuantStudio qPCR System, Bioanalyzer and TapeStation fragment analyzers, Fluorescent Plate Reader, NanoString nCounter and GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler, and other related laboratory equipment.

• Isolates, purifies and performs quality control on DNA and RNA from tissue, cells, blood, and other biological sources.

• Prepares NGS libraries and analyzes sequencing data.

• Coordinates sample receiving and accessioning.

• Assists in training incoming or existing users or students in instrument operation or standard operating procedures.

• Receives incoming and arranges outgoing shipments.

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Periodic:

• Collects and organizes information for various reports.

Required Qualifications

Levels II and III

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in Biology or a related field or two (2) years of experience with a Bachelor's degree.

• Knowledge of randomized controlled clinical trials principles, methodology, and procedures.

• Knowledge of all federal and state regulations and guidelines for conducting clinical trials on human subjects.

• Knowledge of laboratory certification standards and processes.

• Knowledge of adverse medical event investigation, analysis, and reporting procedures and standards.

• Knowledge of the infrastructure and operational characteristics of contract research organizations and centralized clinical laboratories

• Knowledge of current and developing trends and standards in clinical trials monitoring.

• Knowledge of industrial standards as applied to good clinical practices.

• Knowledge of patient care charts and patient histories.

• Knowledge of fiscal management, grant writing and administration and grant reporting.

• Knowledge of statistical data collection, editing, validation, and analysis techniques.

• Ability to independently develop novel concepts and techniques in clinical research monitoring.

• 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 within a broad, complex clinical research environment with a multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to establish data collection and management guidelines.

• Ability to provide technical advice, guidance, and support to professional staff in an area of specialty.

• Ability to supervise and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.

• Demonstrates good time management and organizational skills.

• Strong communication skills for writing papers, reports, and bids and for giving presentations.

Level II

• One (1) year of related research experience in Molecular Biology or related field.

Level III

• Two (2) years of related research experience in Molecular Biology or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Both Levels

• Advanced courses leading to a Ph.D. in Biology or related field.

Level II

• One (1) year of related research experience.

• Proficient in routine DNA/RNA molecular biology techniques.

• Experience in preparing samples and/or analyzing data for Next Generation Sequencing for DNA-Sequencing or RNA-Sequencing applications.

• Experience with cell biology, histology, antibody staining, and in situ hybridization.

• Experience with PCR and RT-qPCR assays.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Experience operating/maintaining Illumina MiSeq DNA Sequencer.

Level III

• Three or more (3+) years of related research experience.

• Experience in NGS bioinformatic analysis or programming in R.

• Experience operating/maintaining Illumina MiSeq DNA Sequencer or other NGS Sequencers.

• Proficient in NGS library preparation and analysis for DNA-Sequencing or RNA-Sequencing applications.

• Proficient with cell biology, histology, antibody staining, and in situ hybridization.

• Knowledge or experience with 10x Genomics single-cell assays.

• Knowledge of experience with spatial transcriptomics technologies, such as 10x Genomics Visium or NanoString GeoMx.

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.

• Valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as applicable.

Working Conditions

Working Environment:

• 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.

• May require travel off-campus and extended overnight stays.

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.