Research Core Facility Directory

The Advanced Protein Therapeutics Core (APTC) at UT Austin supports the development of therapeutic proteins through a suite of cutting-edge services. Specializing in protein engineering, production, and biophysical characterization, APTC provides researchers with access to high-throughput protein production platforms and state-of-the-art analytical tools. Core services include custom protein expression, purification, stability testing, and structural analysis to aid in the development of next-generation protein-based therapies. APTC staff work closely with investigators, offering technical expertise and collaborative support to advance biomedical research and therapeutic innovations.

Services Offered

• Custom protein expression and purification
• Stability testing and biophysical characterization
• Structural analysis
• Collaboration on therapeutic research
• Training on protein engineering techniques

The Animal Resources Center is the administrative unit given the primary responsibility to provide centralized care for vertebrate animals utilized in the research and teaching activities of the University, and it also serves as a source of expertise and support for investigators and the administration on all issues related to laboratory animals. ARC employees are responsible for the majority of direct animal care in the centrally managed animal facilities and satellites, and together with the IACUC they provide guidance and assistance to research groups maintaining vertebrate animals in lab-managed satellites.

Services Offered

• Centralized animal care
• Compliance guidance with IACUC
• Veterinary services and technical support
• Animal handling and care training
• Specialized housing for various species

The Applied Geodynamics Laboratory (AGL) at UT Austin, part of the Bureau of Economic Geology, focuses on understanding salt tectonics through advanced research and modeling. AGL provides insights into subsurface dynamics relevant to energy exploration and geotechnical applications. Utilizing physical and computational modeling techniques, AGL researchers investigate the behavior of salt structures and their impact on petroleum systems. The lab’s collaborative projects with industry partners drive innovation in structural geology, offering valuable resources for enhanced exploration and production strategies. AGL staff collaborate closely with sponsors, providing access to cutting-edge data, tools, and geodynamic expertise.

Services Offered

• Research on salt tectonics
• Physical and computational modeling of salt structures
• Petroleum system analysis
• Industry collaboration on geotechnical challenges
• Data and visualization for subsurface studies

The Austin Core Research Center (ACRC) at UT Austin is one of the largest and most comprehensive repositories for geological samples in the United States. Housing an extensive collection of core, cuttings, and rock samples from Texas and beyond, ACRC serves as a valuable resource for research and education in geology, energy, and environmental science. The center provides access to state-of-the-art facilities for sample analysis, preservation, and data management, supporting studies in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and petroleum geology. ACRC staff offer expertise in core handling and analysis, assisting researchers, students, and industry professionals in unlocking subsurface insights for exploration and research projects.

Services Offered

• Geological core and sample repository
• Core and cuttings analysis
• Sedimentology and stratigraphy support
• Access to historical and recent geological data
• Training in core analysis techniques

BCG provides consultations on bioinformatics and biocomputing, offering expert guidance on standardized analyses and best practices for using widely recognized open-source tools. Services are tailored to the data provided and research questions posed. BCG staff work closely with clients to ensure optimal solutions. Visit us for detailed service descriptions and pricing for full-service pipelines.

Services Offered

• Consultations on bioinformatics and computational genomics
• Access to bioinformatics software tools
• Workflow optimization and data processing
• Custom data analysis solutions
• Training in bioinformatics methods

The Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility is the primary unit providing advanced mass spectrometry services for proteomics and protein modification analyses at the University. Equipped with two state-of-the-art Thermo Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometers, the facility supports both quantitative and qualitative studies. In addition, self-service instruments are available for researchers to conduct IR-based protein quantitation, FPLC separations, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The facility staff offer expertise and guidance, ensuring researchers have access to the tools and support needed for cutting-edge biological research.

Services Offered

• Proteomics and protein modification analysis
• Quantitative and qualitative mass spectrometry
• Access to Thermo Orbitrap Fusion instruments
• Self-service options for MALDI-TOF and IR-based protein quantitation
• FPLC separations for protein purification
• Consultation on experimental design and data analysis for mass spectrometry projects

The Biomedical Imaging Center is the administrative unit responsible for providing advanced neuroimaging resources for research at the University. The center specializes in non-invasive imaging and houses a Siemens Skyra 3T MRI scanner, which supports studies of human perception, memory, decision-making, and behavior. The BIC is uniquely connected to the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) for supercomputing support and offers real-time fMRI, high-resolution 3D visual presentations, and resources for developmental studies. BIC staff work closely with researchers, providing expertise and technical support to advance interdisciplinary imaging research.

Services Offered

• Access to advanced neuroimaging equipment (Siemens Skyra 3T MRI)
• Real-time fMRI and high-resolution 3D visualization
• Developmental and behavioral studies support
• Technical guidance for interdisciplinary imaging research

The Biomedical Research Computing Facility’s (BRCF) at UT Austin provide specialized computational support for bioinformatics, genomics, and large-scale biological data analysis. This core facility offers high-performance computing infrastructure and software tools tailored to meet the unique needs of computational biology research. Services include data storage, bioinformatics software access, custom workflow development, and consultation on data analysis strategies. CBB staff work closely with researchers to optimize data processing, ensuring efficient and accurate analysis for projects ranging from genomics to structural biology, making it a critical resource for advancing computational research across disciplines.

Services Offered

• High-performance computing resources for biomedical research
• Data storage and management solutions
• Bioinformatics software access
• Custom workflow development
• Data analysis consultations
• Training in computational tools

The Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) at UT Austin is a leading research institute dedicated to advancing the understanding of energy resources, environmental systems, and geological processes. As the oldest research unit at UT, BEG integrates cutting-edge science with practical applications, supporting industry, government, and public interest in areas such as energy exploration, carbon storage, water resource management, and environmental sustainability. BEG's multidisciplinary teams conduct innovative research and provide expertise, facilities, and data resources that drive scientific discovery and inform policy. The Bureau’s collaborative environment enables impactful research with global reach and real-world applications.

Services Offered

• Energy and environmental research
• Geological sample and data resources
• Industry and government partnerships
• Policy research on sustainability
• Training for geoscience professionals

The Biomedical Research Supplies Core supports campus researchers by providing a comprehensive selection of molecular biology reagents and custom primer services. Partnering with top vendors such as NEB, ThermoFisher, and Bio-Rad, the Core offers convenient access to essential supplies. Additionally, custom primer orders are available through IDT and Sigma, with special ordering options for NEB products, as well as access to dry ice and liquid nitrogen, ensuring researchers have the resources needed for cutting-edge biomedical research.

Services Offered

• Procurement of biomedical research supplies
• Custom ordering of reagents and primers
• Access to dry ice and liquid nitrogen

Services Offered

• 3D printing and additive manufacturing
• Prototyping and design assistance
• Access to advanced manufacturing tools
• Training in additive manufacturing methods
• Custom fabrication support

The Center for Biomedical Research Support (CBRS) is the administrative unit dedicated to advancing biomedical research by providing cutting-edge technologies and expert guidance tailored to the diverse needs of researchers. The center offers high-resolution light and electron microscopy, precise cell-sorting techniques, complex sequencing projects, mass spectrometry analyses, and customized transgenic mouse models. CBRS staff deliver personalized training and support to ensure research success. Additionally, the STEM Stockroom and freezer supply core provide a wide range of laboratory supplies, while our computing infrastructure and bioinformatics consultants assist in extracting insights from data. CBRS serves as a vital resource for researchers seeking to drive progress in biomedical science.

Services Offered

• High-resolution light and electron microscopy
• Advanced cell sorting and flow cytometry
• Mass spectrometry and proteomics
• Genomic and bioinformatics support
• Training and consultation for lab techniques

Services Offered

• Access to shared experimental facilities
• Materials synthesis and characterization
• Advanced imaging and spectroscopy
• Collaborative research and consultation
• Training in materials research methods

Services Offered

• Electrochemical analysis and testing
• Custom Electrochemical cell design
• Electrochemical data interpretation
• Training in Electrochemical techniques
• Advanced instrumentation for redox and reaction studies
• Access to high-precision Electrochemical measurement systems

Services Offered

• Design and testing of electromechanical systems
• High-power energy storage research
• Prototyping and custom engineering solutions
• System modeling and simulation
• Electric vehicle and grid-scale storage technologies
• Advanced manufacturing support for energy applications

The Center for Energy and Environmental Resources (CEER) at UT Austin integrates research and education to address critical energy and environmental challenges. CEER focuses on diverse areas such as air quality, sustainable energy, and emissions management, supporting innovative projects that bridge engineering, policy, and technology. The center fosters collaboration among faculty and students, promoting interdisciplinary approaches to developing sustainable solutions that enhance public understanding and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

Services Offered

• Environmental impact assessments and reporting
• Air, water, and soil quality analysis
• Renewable and sustainable energy research
• Energy systems design and optimization
• Industrial pollution reduction strategies
• Research collaboration on resource conservation and sustainable technologies

The Center for Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry is a state-of-the-art, multi-user facility dedicated to advancing stable isotope geochemistry in the Earth Sciences. This facility provides researchers with cutting-edge instrumentation and expertise to address a wide range of geochemical challenges, supporting innovative solutions and collaborative research in Earth Science disciplines.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive stable isotope analysis (H, C, N, O, S)
• Custom isotopic ratio measurements for environmental samples
• Training in stable isotope methods and instrumentation
• Research collaboration in geochemistry and biogeochemistry
• Access to advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation for high-resolution data

The Environmental Contaminant Analysis Center offers a unique, state-of-the-art facility for determining the concentrations of environmental contaminants in soil, air, and water samples. The Center provides specialized analytical services, including those from external experts in non-commercially available methods. In addition, the Center offers university students hands-on experience with environmental analytical instrumentation, training in quality control procedures, and opportunities to assist in the analysis of extensive sample sets required for diverse research projects.

Services Offered

• Water quality and contaminant monitoring
• Hydrologic and environmental modeling
• Resource management and policy consulting
• Sustainable water solutions for urban and agricultural use
• Research partnerships on climate and ecosystem impact on water resources

Services Offered

• Nanofabrication and microfabrication tools
• Device prototyping and custom fabrication
• Lithography, etching, and thin-film deposition
• Electron beam lithography and nanoscale patterning
• Training and support in cleanroom protocols
• Advanced materials testing and characterization