Title: Research Assistant
Employee Classification: Research Assistant
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Provost
SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science
Department: UNT-Biological Sciences-121100
Job Location: Denton
Salary: 35000.00

ABOUT US - VALUES OVERVIEW

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The BioDiscovery Institute (BDI) gathers a collaborative and multidisciplinary network of scientists targeting development of sustainable biotechnologies that support an environmentally friendly, bio-based economy. We are committed to training the next generation of scientists prepared to solve the health, food, and energy security challenges of tomorrow.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Research Assistant will contribute to projects focused on enhancing the production of compounds in plants that are valuable for industrial and health-related applications. Working within a team of 3–4 members, the assistant will be responsible for plant growth, daily hand-pollination, and tagging of new flowers. Additional duties include assisting with sterile tissue culture, sample collection and processing, DNA and RNA extractions, and molecular biology techniques. The role also involves using mass spectrometry methods (GC-MS and LC-MS/MS) to examine metabolic profiles across various plant tissues. Finally, the research assistant will manage several aspects of the research lab, such as but not limited to ordering supplies, general lab organization and safety.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree with major course work in the field of assignment, or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of scientific research techniques, methods and procedures. Working knowledge of equipment used in related fields of research. Considerable knowledge of health, safety, and security precautions in keeping with type of research being done. Ability to set up and operate research instrumentation and equipment. Abilityto make accurate assays and to prepare reports, charts, or graphs on results. Ability to work effectively with fellow researchers, staff members, faculty, supervisors and students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will possess the following additional qualifications: Bachelor in biology, food science, crop science, biochemistry, or related field. Prior experience with at least two of the following techniques, sterile culture, protein analysis, lipid analysis, Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrometry (GCMS), HighPerformance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMS/MS). Attention to detail and excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills are desirable.
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Botany or any related area with major coursework in the field of assignment, or any equivalent of education, experience and training preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Communicating with others to exchange information.

• Effective Planning
• Judgment/ProblemSolving
• Communication
• Operates research instrumentation and equipment.
• Makes and records observations and measurements.
• Maintains collects plant samples.
• Manages several aspects of the Alonso Lab.