Research Specialist

Title: Research Specialist

Employee Classification: Research Specialist

Campus: University of North Texas - Health Science Center

Division: HSC-Provost & Exec VP

Sub Division-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

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas‑Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

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We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

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.

A position is open for a research assistant to join an NIH‑funded lab focusing on developing novel therapeutics for Keratoconus (KC) using quantitative chemoproteomics and covalent drug discovery. The primary purpose of this role is to provide autonomous operational management of the lab’s tissue culture environment and to execute end‑to‑end research projects. Unlike a traditional assistant role, this position is responsible for the intellectual and technical "ownership" of cell‑based experiments, from initial design and SOP development to final data analysis.

This role exists to bridge the gap between high‑level faculty oversight and entry‑level technical support. By delegating independent experimental design and the maintenance of critical laboratory standards (SOPs) to this position, the lab ensures consistent data integrity and operational efficiency without requiring constant PI intervention in daily routines.

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 of scientific research techniques, methods and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with fellow researchers, staff members, faculty, supervisors and students.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Academic writing skills.
• Cell Culture Operations & Protocol Management.
• Responsible for the autonomous development and maintenance of SOPs.
• Advanced Bioassays & Drug Screening.
• Troubleshoots experimental variables independently to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of results.
• Data Analysis & Research Communication.
• Compliance & Safety Oversight.
• Mentorship & Collaborative Leadership.

• A minimum of one year of professional experience working in a biology laboratory environment is preferred.

• Manage the comprehensive tissue culture…