Research Scientist

Specific professional doctoral degree with five (5) years of relevant research experience  is required. Evidence of peer-reviewed scientific publications in the relevant field of specialization is also required. Under the general supervision of Dr. Mengwei Zang at UT Health San Antonio, the successful candidate will support the day-to-day operations of an NIH-funded R01 research study. Responsibilities include planning, designing, coordinating, monitoring, and conducting NIH-funded research projects; conducting animal studies; performing data analysis; and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

• Initiate and participate in the design, execution, and evaluation of innovative research projects on the role of nutrient sensors in metabolic liver disease and aging.
• Manage ongoing projects initiated by the principal investigator, with a major focus on identifying molecular mechanisms regulating cell metabolism and contributing to the development of alcoholic liver disease and metabolic liver disease and aging.
• Generate and analyze preliminary data for the principal investigator to apply for research grants of federal agencies and foundations.
• Develop and implement technical methodologies, including molecular biology techniques such as PCR, real-time PCR, cell culture and transfection, Western blotting, and histological analysis and tissue staining. 

• Develop analysis plans and statistical analysis strategies for advanced RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data analyses and organize and maintain research databases.

• Author and co-author scientific publications, present research findings at meetings and conferences, and contribute to the preparation of study protocols and research reports.

• Coordinate in preparing grant applications with designated investigators and research collaborators and independently. 
• Supervise the students and researchers.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrate the ability to coordinate tasks, manage multiple complex research projects simultaneously, and apply excellent organizational and time-management skills.

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, genotyping mice; establishing and maintaining mouse disease models; and administering experimental treatments.

• Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot experimental protocols independently. 

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain accurate research records, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, research proposals, study reports, and official correspondence.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad Prism, OneNote, email applications, as well as a willingness to learn study-specific software.

Education:

• Master's degree in related field is required.
• Doctorate in a related field is highly preferred.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of related experience is required.
• Five (5) years of related experience is highly preferred.