Summary

The Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine is seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant II to assist faculty with the research activities in a Baylor College of Medicine laboratory. The Research Assistant II will work under guidance of the Assistant Laboratory Director and the principal investigators. Familiarity with the field of research as well as prior experience with CRISPR technology, PCR, RNA/DNA/protein isolation and quantification, viral transductions are desired though not mandatory. 

Job Duties

• Performs CRISPR studies, cloning, DNA and RNA isolation, bioinformatic analysis, gene expression studies with lentiviral and adenoviral systems, flow cytometry, and primary cell cultures.
• Understands and follows experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)
• Records, compiles, interprets, and communicates data/results.
• Modifies and develops experimental protocols according to project progression.
• Recommends improvements to established techniques and/or protocols as they apply to a combination of molecular biology techniques, small molecule discovery, drug dosage, cell biology, and biochemical techniques to independently uncover novel mechanisms by which human cardiac reprogramming is regulated and develop approaches to enhance reprogramming efficiency.
• Maintains personal knowledge of scientific trends through literature reviews, attendance at meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Assists in the writing of abstracts, manuscripts, and grant applications and conducts literature searches and summarize information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
• Contributes to the training and mentorship of laboratory personnel, research technicians, and graduate students.
• Maintains lab equipment and environment.
• Prepares data for submission to repositories and databases.
• Assists in organizing weekly meetings for scientific collaborations with clinical surgeons & researchers for ongoing project studies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or a related field. 
• Three years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with research using mouse and/or rat models.
• Extensive experience with cell culture including the culture of primary cells.
• Experience with CRISPR.