Research Technician- Tagliabracci Lab

Primary Work Address: 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX, 75390-9050

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

We are seeking a curious, thoughtful, and motivated Research Technician to join the lab of Dr. Vincent Tagliabracci at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Vincent (Vinnie) Tagliabracci wants to reveal new functions and catalytic activities for a group of enzymes that influence every aspect of cell life, from communication to division. Tagliabracci and his team study members of the protein kinase superfamily by bioinformatically identifying divergent or atypical members that are yet uncharacterized. The team uncovers unique functions and activities using biochemistry, structural biology, and mass spectrometry. They are specifically focused on the role of protein kinase-mediated AMPylation and polyglutamylation in cell signaling, redox regulation, and host-pathogen interactions, and the novel functions and catalytic activities of “pseudokinases.” This work has implications for the fundamental understanding of cellular signaling, regulation, and host-pathogen interactions. To learn more about the lab, visit their website: https://tagliabraccilab.org/

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about science and wishes to contribute to furthering our understanding in newly emerging areas in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture and genome editing. The team member will be an integral member of our team who provides experiment support for a postdoctoral scholar and for creating reagents for the team.

The Research Technician will contribute to research results on an ongoing basis. Usually conducts routine aspects of research projects. Influences short range and limited scope activities. This role is ideal for those who would like to gain laboratory and computational techniques before moving onto graduate school.

What we provide:

• Training in science writing and communication.

• 1:1 mentorship while also working collaboratively as part of a team.

• Opportunities for professional and educational development and growth, including assistance in preparing for graduate school applications and interviews.

• Contributing to exciting research projects with potential for authorship on research papers and the opportunity to present original work at scientific meetings.

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

What you’ll do:

• Assist scientists and technicians by performing various research procedures and operating a variety of instruments and other scientific equipment.

• Collect, record, coordinate and verify the accuracy of data; perform calculations and prepare charts, graphs, and reports. May use software applications to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and test reports.

• Configure and operate laboratory apparatus and instruments; read and record instrument data; tabulate data; keep laboratory records.

• May maintain inventories of chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies and place orders as indicated.

• May maintain records of hazardous materials stored in the lab.

• May participate in performing regular maintenance for equipment.

• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

• May maintain insects, plants, animals, and/or bacterial and tissue cultures for experimental purposes.

• Maintain knowledge of current developments in research area through reading applicable literature and using online resources.

What you bring:

• Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology, chemistry, or related field.

• Generally experienced in job duties and in the principles and practices associated with those duties with an understanding of the underlying scientific principles.

• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a diverse population.

• Ability to draft routine reports and keep accurate records of work performed.

• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.

• Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction. Able to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques.

• Able to train others in specialized tasks as advised by supervisor.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$16.11 (minimum) - $20.14 (midpoint) - $26.15 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Hourly

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer