Research Core Facility Directory

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

BCG provides consultations on bioinformatics, biostatistics, and biocomputing. They offer standardized and custom analyses, implement best practices for commonly used open-source tools and techniques appropriate to the data provided and questions asked.

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 and protein molecular weight determination at the University. Equipped with state-of-the-art Thermo Orbitrap Ascend and Fusion mass spectrometers, the facility supports both quantitative and qualitative studies. In addition, a Bruker Autoflex self-service instrument is available for researchers to use MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry, and untargeted metabolomics experiments are conducted on a Thermo QExactive mass spectrometer. 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
• Protein molecular weight determination
• Quantitative and qualitative mass spectrometry
• Access to Thermo Orbitrap Ascent and Fusion instruments
• Self-service biomolecule mass spectrometry using MALDI-TOF
• Untargeted metabolomics with high resolution QExactive
• Consultation and collaboration on experimental design and data analysis for mass spectrometry projects

The Biomedical Imaging Center (BIC) is an interdisciplinary, multimodal imaging facility that supports human and preclinical imaging research at the University of Texas and the wider community. The BIC spans 3 locations in the Norman Hackerman (NHB) and the Health Discovery (HDB) Buildings on the UT campus and hosts a range of systems for MRI, PET, CT and optical imaging. The Center accommodates both independent and assisted use (for human MRI and PET/CT) is on its instruments and provides in-house training in scanner safety and operation for independent users. The facility also supports a range of task / response paradigms for functional MRI (fMRI) studies and provides back-end support for data archiving, management and common analyses.

Services Offered

• Basic, translational and clinical-research involving human or preclinical imaging
• Initial consultation on establishing an imaging research project or program at BIC
• Development / implementation of MRI / fMRI protocols on our 3T and 7T systems
• Ongoing project advice and technical support for the imaging systems and ancillary equipment
• Educational courses on imaging physics and technology
• Training in scanner safety including MRI Level 1 certification
• Training in scanner-operation for our systems including MRI Level 2 certification
• Assisted scanning on the Siemens Prisma, Siemens Vida and GE Discovery systems
• Post-study support for data archiving, management and common analyses

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 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

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

The Electronics and General Repair Shop offers maintenance and repair of biomedical/scientific equipment and instrumentation, including centrifuges, incubators, shakers, electrophoresis equipment, freezers/refrigerators, water purification systems, and more.

Services Offered

• Repair and calibration of electronic research equipment
• Custom electronics design and modification
• Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
• Consultation on equipment upgrades and improvements
• Specialized services for laboratory instrument repairs

The Genomic Sequencing and Analysis Facility (GSAF) offers next generation sequencing (NGS) services focusing on short read sequencing platform ranging from whole genome sequencing to single cell application. The facility provides the community with technical expertise and experience to support ongoing research projects.

Services Offered

• High-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing
• Sanger sequencing for longer DNA reads
• Quality control and data validation
• Bioinformatics support for data analysis
• Consultation on experimental design for genomics research
• Access to sequencing instrumentation and software

The MRC is the administrative unit responsible for providing access to advanced nano-fabrication equipment for users from various fields, including electronics, optics, physics, chemistry, and engineering disciplines. It serves both university and corporate researchers, offering not only state-of-the-art clean room facilities but also a collaborative environment. MRC staff provide guidance and support to lab users, fostering a community of scientists who work together to advance technology and knowledge.

Services Offered

• Nanofabrication and microfabrication facilities
• Semiconductor device prototyping
• Cleanroom access and support
• Training in photolithography, etching, and thin-film deposition
• Collaborative research in electronics and materials science

The Microscopy and Imaging Facility provides extensive microscopy equipment and services for ultra-structural analysis of a variety of sample types. The facility offers assisted use and training on its instrumentation and consultations on microscopy- and spectroscopy-related research.

Services Offered

• Nanofabrication and microfabrication facilities
• Semiconductor device prototyping
• Cleanroom access and support
• Training in photolithography, etching, and thin-film deposition
• Collaborative research in electronics and materials science

The Microscopy & Flow Cytometry Facility is the unit responsible for providing access to advanced light microscopes, flow cytometers, and cell sorters for research and teaching at the University. The facility supports users from all disciplines, offering both standard and high-end instrumentation. In addition to assisted use, the facility provides training on equipment and consultations to help researchers optimize their use of the available tools. Staff scientists work closely with investigators, ensuring access to the expertise and resources needed for cutting-edge imaging research.

Services Offered

• Light microscopy
• Confocal and fluorescence microscopy
• Flow cytometry
• Cell sorting
• Analysis workstations
• Training in microscopy and flow cytometry techniques
• Consultation on experimental design for microscopy and flow cytometry studies

The Mouse Genetic Engineering Facility (MGEF) provides expert advice and custom services to generate, cryopreserve, and rederive genetically engineered mice for understanding mammalian gene function and human disease. The MGEF serves as a central hub for mouse genetics at UT by providing precision mouse models and transgenic services, engaging in teaching, training, and collaborative projects, and undertaking research that supports the core’s mission. The facility is a key resource for researchers across various disciplines, including those studying alcohol addiction, neurodegeneration, immunology, cancer, and developmental disorders.

Services Offered

• Design and generation of precision mouse models
• Cryopreservation of mouse lines
• Cryorecovery of mouse models from repositories
• Embryo manipulation for -omic studies

The Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory is a state-of-the-art cryo-EM facility that houses a TFS Titan Krios and a TFS Glacios. The Krios is equipped with a Gatan BioContinuum imaging filter and K3 direct electron detector, enabling its use for high-resolution single-particle and tomographic imaging of macromolecular machines. The TFS Glacios is equipped with a TFS Falcon IV direct electron detector for high-resolution single-particle imaging and a TFS CETA-D camera for high-resolution micro -ED data. The facility also houses the equipment required for high-resolution structure determination of thin vitrified samples.

Services Offered

• Cryo-electron microscopy for macromolecular imaging
• High-resolution structure determination
• Sample preparation for cryo-EM
• Data analysis and visualization for structural biology research

The STEM Stockroom is a self-service facility that provides a wide range of stock items for purchase, including chemicals, laboratory supplies, hardware, and office supplies. This convenient resource is designed to support the diverse needs of researchers and students, ensuring easy access to essential materials for scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Services Offered

• Inventory of lab supplies and consumables
• Chemicals, hardware, and glassware for purchase
• Access to office and laboratory materials
• Convenient self-service for researchers and students

The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) is the administrative unit responsible for designing and operating some of the world’s most powerful computing resources to support research and innovation. The center’s mission is focused on enabling discoveries that advance science and society through the application of advanced computing technologies. TACC staff work closely with researchers across various disciplines, providing expertise and support to maximize the impact of high-performance computing on scientific inquiry and societal challenges.

Services Offered

• High-performance computing resources
• Data storage and cloud computing solutions
• Customizable research workflows and software access
• Training and support in computational research methods