Research Science Associate III or IV-College of Sciences, Neuroscience Development & Regenerative Biology

UT San Antonio is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university and a Carnegie R1-designated institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas, UT San Antonio advances knowledge, social mobility, and public health across South Texas and beyond. The university serves approximately 42,000 students across 320 academic programs in science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education, and more.

About the role

The Barton Lab is seeking a Research Scientist Associate III or IV to join their reproductive developmental biology research group. This full-time, grant-funded position involves performing scientific duties with wide latitude for independent action and decision, onboarding new trainees, and assisting with oversight of laboratory functions. The position may be extended or shortened based on availability of funds and/or work.

Responsibilities

• Performs professional research, including conducting experiments, gathering and analyzing data and samples, and operating equipment.
• Plans, schedules, and coordinates detailed phases of one or more parts of a research project.
• Maintains Drosophila melanogaster and Mus musculus animals.
• Assists in developing experimental protocols, including devising new approaches to problems encountered.
• Maintains laboratory notebook and data files; assists with manuscript writing, grants, and other documents.
• Trains, supervises, and mentors student researchers.
• Assists with reagent ordering, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and other lab management duties.

Research Science Associate IV additional responsibilities:

• Assists in the development and design of plans for research experiments and projects.
• Prepares specifications, develops techniques, and prepares project proposals and field work.
• Oversees supervision and training of student employees, interns, and volunteers.
• Leads research teams in advanced multi-year research activities.
• Assists key members of research staff in solving specific problems encountered in projects.
• Assumes responsibility for acceptance or rejection of results achieved.

Requirements

Research Science Associate III:

• High School Diploma, Vocational Training, or Apprenticeship in a related field.
• Five (5) years of related work experience.

Research Science Associate IV:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• One (1) year of related work experience.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of experience working with Drosophila melanogaster in a research laboratory, including designing and implementing genetic crosses and microscope-assisted tissue dissections.
• Two (2) years of experience training, supervising, and mentoring student researchers.
• One (1) year of experience with each of the following: ordering reagents, managing laboratory inventory, maintaining complex research equipment.
• Record of ability to independently conduct some or all of the following: collection of Drosophila tissue from all life stages, immunohistochemistry, imaging samples with a confocal microscope, Drosophila and/or cell culture-based gene-editing, sample preparation and data analysis for qPCR, bulk RNA-sequencing, and chromatin immunoprecipitation.
• Prior experience using some or all of the following software for research: Image J/FIJI and/or Imaris, R, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Research Science Associate III: Bachelor's in a biology-related field with 2-3 years of Drosophila-based research experience.
• Research Science Associate IV: PhD in a biology-related field with 3+ years of Drosophila-based research experience.

Skills

• Collaboration
• Attention to Detail
• Ability to Work Independently
• Verbal and Written Communication
• Organizational Skills
• Knowledge of Clinical Trials Principles, Methodology, and Procedures
• Statistics

Working Conditions

• Indoor research laboratory and office environment.
• Exposure to rooms with microscope lasers, Drosophila melanogaster, Mus musculus, or hazardous chemicals.

Physical Demands

• Manipulate small objects under a microscope.
• Lift and move fragile materials and equipment weighing 20-30 pounds.
• Distinguish subtle visual features and differences under a microscope.
• Use a microscope for extended periods of time.

This position will be filled as a Research Science Associate III or IV based on finalist qualifications and department need. The position is contingent upon a successful background check. Verification of a valid driver’s license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) may be completed as applicable. Applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.