Research Associate I

General Notes
Dell Medical School is seeking a Researech Associate I. This position is a temporary with an end date of June1st, 2027, renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward goals.
Purpose
The Research Associate I supports scientific research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. This role typically reports to a Principal Investigator or Senior Research Scientist and works closely with other research staff, including Research Technicians and Laboratory Assistants. The Research Associate I is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, contributing to research publications, and assisting in the development of new research protocols. 
Responsibilities

Conduct Research Experiments

• Perform laboratory experiments under the guidance of senior researchers.

• Recruit, pre-screen, and screen potential participants utilizing approved methods and appropriate eligibility criteria. Obtain informed consent of participants following GCP guidelines.

• Collect and analyze data using various scientific techniques, including but not limited to, psychological measures, neuroimaging measures, biospecimens (blood, urine, saliva, etc.), and neurocognitive measures.

• Data entry and maintenance of accurate records of experimental procedures and results.

Data Analysis

• Analyze research data using statistical software and tools.

• Interpret results and prepare reports for review by senior researchers.

• Assist in the preparation of research publications, presentations, and manuscripts (authorship will depend on candidate’s initiative and relevant contribution to work.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Ensure the laboratory is clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.

• Follow safety protocols and procedures.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with other research staff to coordinate experiments and share findings.

• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on research progress.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with external collaborators and stakeholders.

Protocol Development

• Assist in the development and optimization of research protocols.

• Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.

• Assist with IRB submission and management by preparing necessary documentation, coordinating with IRB representatives, and ensuring timely submission and approval.

MARGINAL OR PERIODIC FUNCTIONS:

Literature Review

• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.

• Summarize findings and present them to the research team.

Training and Mentorship

• Provide training and guidance to new research staff and interns.

• Assist in the onboarding process for new team members.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and ensuring the precision of experiments, excellent attention to detail

• Effective in conveying research findings and collaborating with team members.

• Proficient in using laboratory equipment and scientific software (i.e. Excel, RedCap, R, PsychoPy, etc.), troubleshooting experimental issues.

• Coordinating experiments with a diverse team of colleagues, participating in team discussions, supporting team goals.

• Comfortable interacting with people living with serious mental illness

• Outstanding organizational and time management skills.

Required Qualifications
Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, Public Health, or other related discipline with at least 1 year of research experience. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree and/or Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of relevant laboratory experience, including experience with specific techniques used in the research area.

• Certification as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or similar certification.
• Human Subjects Research and/or Good Clinical Practice certified
• Phlebotomy licensure/certification
• Level 1 or Level 2 MRI-certified

Salary Range
$40,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions

• Standard office equipment

• Repetitive use of a keyboard

• Occasional weekend and evening work

• May work around biohazards

Required Materials
Resume/CV
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Letter of interest
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.