Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III

Join the Ressl Laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin as a Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III. This role serves as a central scientific and operational anchor for the lab, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of synapse structure and function. The position bridges foundational structural and biochemical research with translational questions about brain aging, neurodegeneration, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, aiming to discover biomarkers of synapse health.

About the role

We seek a self-directed scientist who can advance professional-level research with minimal oversight while contributing to lab operations. You will work directly with the Principal Investigator on eukaryotic cell culture, protein expression and purification, biochemical/biophysical characterization, and electron microscopy imaging and analysis. The position offers scientific autonomy, a collegial environment, mentorship, and opportunities for meaningful contributions to discoveries. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible role with an initial one-year assignment, renewable based on performance and funding.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct tissue culture laboratory experiments, including establishing and maintaining cell lines and eukaryotic protein expression (BSL-2).
• Perform protein purification and biochemical/biophysical characterization of protein complexes.
• Execute electron microscopy imaging and associated data analysis.
• Manage laboratory operations, including reagent and supply ordering, inventory, safety-protocol compliance, and training/oversight of undergraduate researchers.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, or a related field with a minimum of two (2) years of related research experience; OR a Bachelor’s degree in one of these fields with a minimum of four (4) years of related research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in eukaryotic cell culture (BSL-2), including establishing and maintaining cell lines.
• Experience with eukaryotic protein expression and protein purification.
• Experience with biochemical and/or biophysical protein characterization.
• Experience with electron microscopy imaging and associated image/data analysis.
• Strong laboratory organization, record-keeping, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound scientific judgment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; a dependable, collaborative team member.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with various types of tissue and protein sample preparation for electron and fluorescence microscopy, including image analysis workflows.
• Experience with virus-driven eukaryotic expression systems.
• Prior experience training or supervising undergraduate researchers.
• Prior laboratory-management or laboratory-coordination experience.
• Proficiency with electron microscopy data-analysis software and electronic laboratory notebooks.

Pay

$55,000+ depending on experience.

Schedule

40 hours per week, exempt from FLSA.

Position duration: Expected to continue until August 31, 2027, with an earliest start date of September 1, 2026.

Working Conditions

• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around biohazards.
• May work around chemicals.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.