Research Scientist, Levi Lab

Job Summary

The Levi laboratory has an opening for a Research Scientist. The Levi lab's mission is to improve the lives of people living with skin and musculoskeletal injuries and diseases through rigorous science and compassion. Current projects in the Levi laboratory are related to optical imaging of skin and burn wounds. The laboratory integrates near-infrared, short wave infrared and visible spectrum imaging approaches to assess tissue viability in pig models and in human patients.

The Levi Lab looking is for a Research Scientist to join the team and willing to commit to at least two years. The Research Scientist will support ongoing bench and animal work within the lab related to skin injury. Duties will include obtaining images from pigs and human patients followed by image analysis as well as skin histologic analyses. This data will also be integrated and analyzed by machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms.

Laboratory Expectations

• Routine molecular histologic bench work combined with the use of pig models and analysis of human tissues
• Be able to collect and analyze images in the NIR and SWIR wavelengths
• Downstream processing

o Histology, immunofluorescent stain and confocal imaging, flow cytometry, and work with cell cultures and single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing

Experience and Education

• Experience with coding and programs such as MATLAB and Python
• Ph.D. degree with major coursework in field of assignment and five (5) years research experience in field of assignment, including at least two (2) years at level of Senior Research Associate or equivalent. or
• Master's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and seven (7) years research experience in field of assignment, including at least three (3) years at level of Senior Research Associate or equivalent. or
• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in field of assignment and nine (9) years research experience in field of assignment, including at least four (4) years at level of Senior Research Associate or equivalent.

Preferred Experience

• Able to utilize a variety of molecular biology techniques, including but not limited histology and immunohistochemistry
• Experience with animal research in pigs
• Experience with human skin research
• Experience with optical imaging
• Experience with histology pipeline from tissue harvest to embedding, sectioning, staining, and confocal microscopy.
• Excellent written and oral communication and organizational skills.
• Able to perform data analysis and interpretation using bioinformatics tools, statistical methods, and relevant software packages.

Laboratory Duties

• Designing, building, and maintaining optical imaging systems and equipment.
• Ensuring the proper calibration and functioning of imaging instruments.
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to optical imaging devices.
• Developing algorithms and using software tools for image processing and analysis.
• Histology pipeline from tissue harvest to embedding, sectioning, staining, and confocal microscopy.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes.
• Plan and develop standard operating protocols for experimental protocols.
• Review and analyze resulting research data.
• Revise techniques or approaches to work problems that are indicated as necessary by research data.
• May confer with industrial, governmental, or other groups concerning progress or results of research project.
• Maintain a respectful and inclusive laboratory environment.
• Maintain a clean and functional workspace.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using relevant software and statistical methods.
• Stay current with advances in molecular biology research and contribute to the development of new methodologies and techniques.
• Prepare research findings for publication in scientific journals and present results at conferences and meetings, including weekly laboratory meetings and reading/writing clubs.
• Contribute to grant writing and fundraising efforts to support research activities.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to contribute molecular biology expertise to research projects and initiatives.
• Assist in the training and supervision of junior laboratory personnel, including technicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Job Duties

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs, and personally participates in assigned scientific or medical research projects.
• Selects or assists in selection of key research personnel.
• Determines specific goals or objectives to be attained and assigns and reviews work of subordinates.
• Plans experimental protocols.
• Reviews and analyzes resulting research data.
• Revises techniques or approaches to work problems as indicated necessary by research data.
• Compiles, writes, and submits research results to supervisor.
• Prepares or assists in preparation of research papers, reports, and abstracts for publication as one of co-authors.
• Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
• Plans and supervises training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, use of laboratory equipment, and safety procedures.
• May confer with industrial, governmental, or other groups concerning progress or results of research project.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/

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.

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!