Job Posting Title:

Research Scientist

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Hiring Department:

Department of Medicine

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Scientist for Internal Medicine.

Purpose

The Mirsaeidi Lab at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join a fast-growing, interdisciplinary program that integrates clinical science, molecular microbiology, and environmental health. Our research focuses on host–pathogen interactions, microplastics and environmental exposures, airway disease, phage biology, and respiratory infections.

The Research Scientist is a highly skilled professional responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing scientific studies that advance medical knowledge and improve patient care. This role typically reports to a Principal Investigator or Research Director and collaborates closely with clinical staff, data analysts, statisticians, and regulatory personnel. Peer roles include Clinical Research Scientist, Biostatistician, and Epidemiologist. Working in multidisciplinary teams, the Research Scientist investigates diseases, develops treatments, and contributes to evidence-based healthcare innovations. Key responsibilities include hypothesis development, experimental design, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings through publications and presentations.

Responsibilities

Designs and Conducts Research Studies

Develops hypotheses and research protocols in virology and microbiology.

Designs experiments using appropriate methodologies, including cell culture, virus propagation, viral load assays, bacterial culture, and phage isolation/characterization.

Performs molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, ELISA, cloning, sequencing, and sample preparation.

Collects and prepares biological or clinical samples, including human specimens (blood, BAL, tissue) under IRB-approved protocols.

Ensures compliance with ethical, regulatory, and biosafety standards (BSL-2/BSL-2+).

Maintains detailed records of procedures and results.

Analyzes and Interprets Data

Applies statistical and computational tools to analyze experimental data.

Interprets complex datasets to draw conclusions and validate findings through replication and peer review.

Collaborates with biostatisticians and data scientists for advanced analyses.

Prepares visualizations and summaries for stakeholders.

Prepares Scientific Communications

Writes manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and assists in grant-related projects.

Develops abstracts and posters for conferences and prepares presentations for internal and external audiences.

Maintains up-to-date literature reviews.

Collaborates Across Teams

Works closely with clinical and operational teams, including the Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Division.

Participates in cross-functional research initiatives and provides scientific input to product development or clinical protocols.

Mentors junior staff, supports onboarding of new trainees, and engages with external research partners and sponsors.

Manages Research Operations

Oversees lab equipment and supplies; operates and maintains laboratory instruments.

Tracks budgets and timelines for research projects and ensures adherence to institutional policies.

Coordinates IRB submissions and regulatory documentation.

Implements quality control and assurance protocols.

Other Job Duties may apply as assigned

Marginal or Periodic Functions:

Attends national and international scientific conferences

Reviews grant applications and journal submissions

Participates in strategic planning for research initiatives

Conducts training sessions for new research staff

Engages in community outreach or public education efforts

Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, public health, biochemistry, or related field

7 years of relevant research experience in clinical or translational science

Experience with laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing

OR

Master’s degree in a related field with 10 years of relevant research experience in clinical or translational science

Experience with laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) for research operations

Salary Range

$55,008 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Standard office equipment

Repetitive use of a keyboard

May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients, or others.

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.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.