Research Specialist II - Torii Lab

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

Keiko U. Torii, PhD, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist II to join the team on-site at the University of Texas Austin. Dr. Torii's research focuses on molecular genetics of plant development, with specific emphasis on understanding how stem cells are maintained and how signal transduction pathways control functional tissue patterns during development. The lab takes a cross-disciplinary approach from genetics, genomics, live imaging, cell biology, biochemistry , chemical biology, and structural biology to whole plant morphology/physiology to untangling the unique challenges plants face during development. Through their work, the team aims to provide new tools for biomedical research and boost global crop productivity. More information on the lab can be found on their website.

About the Research Specialist role:

This position will be primarily research-focused (70%), with additional management responsibilities (30%). You will play an integral role in a growing lab environment-actively participating in research while also supporting the day-to-day operations in coordination with the Principal Investigator (PI).

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: processing purchase orders; overseeing biosafety and chemical inventory inspections; coordinating equipment operation, maintenance, and repair; organizing growth rooms and freezers; maintaining and inventorying lab collections (e.g., plasmids and transgenic seed germ lines); and contributing to research projects that align with both the applicant's expertise and the PI's interests.

The successful candidate will also serve as a key collaborative partner to Dr. Torii and act as the primary liaison between lab members and UT Austin staff. A background in biology and a commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive lab culture are essential.

Application Instructions:

Please include a CV, cover letter, and a list of three professional references with contact information (names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) as part of your application.

What you can gain:

• Competitive employment package at the premier institution.

• Experience to grow your management and leadership skills in a small excellent research group aiming to address key scientific questions in plant biology at the highest level.

• Advance your administrative skills by working with scientists, admins, and regulatory staff members in HHMI and host institutions.

• (If applicants prefers to take some part of independent research project), the opportunity for research presentations at the conference, etc., will be provided.

What You'll Do:

Lab Management (30%)

• Maintain proper stock of lab supplies and organize lab supply inventory. Most importantly, biological materials (transgenic, mutant seeds, plasmids, bacterial strains, etc). Genotype and/or sequence to confirm their identities as needed.

• Keep records of equipment maintenance and organize the maintenance of lab equipment when necessary. Liaison with the vendors to organize repairs, training visits, etc.

• Be responsible for record keeping of lab's documents, including SOP for equipment's and common lab procedures, chemical inventory, germplasm inventory, stock inventory, personnel training records, etc.

• Act as liaison between the Torii lab and HHMI and host institution administrative offices on issues such as fixed asset inventories, purchasing, use of host accounts, etc. Participate in the annual equipment/computer inventory survey with both UT Austin and HHMI.

• Act as liaison between lab and host safety and regulatory offices to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Specifics include but not limited to Biosafety inspection, radiation safety inspection, and chemical hazard inspection.

• Train incoming personnel in proper lab conduct. May train others in technical areas and complex processes.

Research (70%)

• Perform assigned research tasks and support/lead a specific research project based on the interest and expertise of the applicant and PI's immediate needs. Specific projects include:

  • Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of environmental control of stomatal development and environmental adaptation of plants using single cell sequencing/NGS sequencing and cell biological (e.g. high-resolution live imaging) approaches

  • Deciphering the molecular basis of cell-cell communication using structural (e.g. CryoEM), biophysical (e.g. protein-ligand binding affinity assays), proteomics, and biochemical approaches. May use heterologous (e.g. yeast, insect, and/or mammalian cell culture system) as well as plant cell culture system.

  • Developing new sensors to monitor cell-cell communication underlying tissue patterning in plants using chemical biology (e.g. use of synthetic fluorescent ligands and high-resolution microscopy imaging) and synthetic biology approaches.

  • Bioinformatic and computational analyses of cell-state transition, genomic basis of environmental adaptation (e.g. use of advanced computational biology pipelines required)

• Organizing and managing daily operations of the lab's plant science research program.

• Present research discoveries in the form of lab meetings, regional, national and/or international conferences, and contribute in publication of original research and review articles.

• Coordinate and work together with PI and other institution officials in the event of emergency (e.g growth room AC breakdown, waterpipe burst).

What You Bring:

• PhD or master's degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Structural Biology, Plant Biology or related disciplines.

• Experience performing basic research tasks in molecular biology, plant biology, or biochemistry in a large laboratory and demonstrated understanding of the basic logic behind use of specific techniques. Previous publication of an original research manuscript (demonstrating independence) is a plus.

• Previous experience training other people on lab practices and various protocols.

• Demonstrated ability to supervise others and provide constructive feedback, support, and guidance.

• Strong sense of self-motivation, responsibility, integrity, ethics, honestness, adaptability, trustworthiness, and leadership.

• Passion for efficiency, operational excellence, and process improvement.

• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, time management, and teamwork skills.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.

• Knowledge of standard safety regulations and appropriate laboratory practices applying to research in biology and advanced lab equipment.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer