Research Specialist

Title: Research Specialist

Employee Classification: Research Specialist

Campus: University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth

Division: HSC-Provost & Exec VP

SubDivision-Department: HSC-CBTS-Office of the Dean

Department: HSC-Pharmacology & Neuroscience-302700

Job Location: Fort Worth

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

Pharmacology and Neuroscience Department plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of drug actions and the nervous system. It integrates basic science with clinical applications, aiming to improve human health through innovative research and education.

Position Overview

The laboratory’s research focuses on multi-omics discovery and comparative studies in ocular disorders and neurobiology topics. The lab is currently supported by an NIH early-career R00 research grant. The candidate will serve as the technical lead for the laboratory's mass spectrometry suite, primarily operating and maintaining a Bruker timsTOF Pro mass spectrometer paired with a Bruker nanoElute 2 LC system on a daily basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Employees in this job may be responsible for conducting research on, working on, or having the ability to access critical organizational infrastructure and they must be able to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure related to this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Clear, effective communication skills.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Time management skills including ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Knowledge of safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in proteomics and glycomics sample preparation and data acquisition workflows.
• Familiarity with mass spectrometry software suites and bioinformatic pipelines for quantitative proteomics processing.
• A strong record of contribution to scientific publications.
• Master’s Degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related scientific discipline with hands-on LC-MS laboratory experience; OR
  
  

Job Duties

• Prepare complex biological samples, including protein extraction, enzymatic digestion, and peptide clean-up, with a focus on evaluating and developing novel, efficient sample preparation workflows.
• Design, test, and optimize Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) LC-MS proteomics workflows to support high-throughput quantitative experiments and scientific publications.
• Perform daily operational routines, routine cleaning, system washing, mass calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting for the timsTOF Pro and nanoElute 2 LC systems to maximize instrument uptime and performance.
• Process, analyze, and interpret complex DIA proteomics datasets using specialized bioinformatic tools and software to ensure rigorous data quality control and reproducible research deliverables.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.