Scientist

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Ranked as the No. 1 hospital in DallasFort Worth by U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development aligned with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package includes healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage merit increases, and much more.

We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team, where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

Job Summary

The Levi Laboratory in the Department of Surgery, Division of Burn, Trauma, Acute, and Critical Care Surgery is seeking a Research Scientist to support ongoing research in optical imaging of skin and burn wounds. The lab integrates near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), and visible spectrum imaging to assess tissue viability in pig models and human patients.

This is a full-time position with a minimum two-year commitment. The Research Scientist will be responsible for imaging, image analysis, and histologic evaluation of skin tissues, with data integration using machine learning and AI algorithms.

Laboratory Expectations

• Conduct routine molecular and histologic bench work using pig models and human tissues

• Collect and analyze images in NIR and SWIR wavelengths

• Perform downstream processing, including:

  • Histology

  • Immunofluorescent staining

  • Confocal imaging

  • Flow cytometry

  • Cell culture

  • Single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing

Experience and Education

Required:

• Education:

  • PhD with 5 years of research experience (including 2 years at the Senior Research Associate level), or

  • Master's degree with 7 years of research experience (including 3 years at the Senior Research Associate level), or

  • Bachelor's degree with 9 years of research experience (including 4 years at the Senior Research Associate level)

• Experience:

  • Proficiency in MATLAB and Python

  • Experience with optical imaging, histology, and animal models (especially pigs)

Preferred:

• Experience with human skin research

• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (e.g., histology, immunohistochemistry)

• Experience with the full histology pipeline (tissue harvest to confocal microscopy)

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Ability to analyze and interpret data using bioinformatics tools and statistical software

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain optical imaging systems

• Calibrate and troubleshoot imaging instruments

• Develop algorithms and software tools for image processing and analysis

• Execute experiments to investigate molecular mechanisms in skin injury and repair

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures

• Analyze and interpret experimental data

• Stay current with advances in molecular biology and imaging technologies

• Prepare research findings for publication and present at conferences and lab meetings

• Contribute to grant writing and fundraising efforts

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams

• Train and supervise junior lab personnel (technicians, graduate students, postdocs)

• Maintain a clean, respectful, and inclusive lab environment

General Duties

• Plan, coordinate, and participate in assigned research projects

• Select and supervise key research personnel

• Develop experimental protocols and revise techniques as needed

• Compile and submit research results; co-author publications

• Design or adapt lab equipment for experiments

• Train lab personnel in techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures

• Collaborate with external partners and stakeholders

• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall well-being and include:

• PPO medical plan available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage

• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare no copay

• Paid Time Off is available day one

• Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

• Paid Parental Leave Benefit

• Wellness programs

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

Learn more at: UTSW Employee Benefits