Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III Full-time

Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III

The Fenno Laboratory develops molecular technologies for neuroscience, including viral vector engineering, gene delivery systems, and genetic tools for cell-type-specific interrogation and therapeutic targeting of the nervous system. Research spans molecular engineering, viral vector production, computational genomics, and translational neuroscience, with projects supported by federal agencies, private foundations, and industry collaborations.

The successful candidate will serve in a dynamic research support role spanning laboratory operations, specialized technical research, and coordination of collaborative research programs. The position includes independent responsibility for advanced molecular biology workflows, management of collaborative research activities across multiple laboratories, supervision and training of laboratory personnel, and coordination with external sponsors and collaborators.

Initial assignment will be for one year. Subsequent renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress toward research goals, and continuation of funding.

Purpose

Provide advanced technical, operational, and project coordination support for foundation-funded neuroscience research in the laboratory of Dr. Lief Fenno within the Department of Neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin. Independently support laboratory operations while serving as the primary coordinator for a multi-investigator research program involving multiple collaborating laboratories and external sponsors.

Responsibilities

Advanced Research Support:

• Independently perform and optimize specialized molecular biology, viral vector production, cloning, sequencing, and related laboratory techniques supporting multiple funded research projects.
• Develop, optimize, and document laboratory workflows and standard operating procedures.
• Analyze experimental results and prepare data, reports, and figures for laboratory meetings, sponsor updates, grant applications, and scientific publications.

Project Coordination and Research Administration:

• Serve as the primary coordinator and day-to-day point of contact for a multi-investigator, foundation-funded research program involving multiple collaborating laboratories.
• Coordinate project timelines, milestones, deliverables, meetings, and communications among investigators, trainees, institutional partners, sponsoring organizations, and collaborators.
• Organize sponsor meetings, maintain project calendars, prepare meeting materials, document action items, and monitor project progress.
• Coordinate laboratory purchasing, equipment procurement, and project-related expenditures.

Laboratory Operations, Training, and Supervision:

• Coordinate day-to-day laboratory operations including inventory management, equipment maintenance, protocol documentation, regulatory compliance, and laboratory organization.
• Train laboratory personnel in molecular biology techniques and viral vector production.
• Supervise undergraduate research assistants and assist with onboarding new laboratory personnel.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry. Experience with molecular biology techniques
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects independently.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with viral vector production, molecular engineering, or neuroscience research.
• Experience coordinating collaborative multi-investigator research programs.
• Experience serving as liaison with sponsoring organizations and collaborators.
• Experience managing laboratory purchasing and research operations.
• Experience supervising or mentoring students or research personnel.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing, computational biology, or bioinformatics.

Salary Range

$50,000 – $60,000 depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around biohazards
• May work around chemicals
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest