Cancer Research Technician I: In Vivo & Molecular Lab Support

Baylor College of Medicine; Texas; On-site; USD 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor College of Medicine in Houston seeks a Research Technician I to support cancer research projects in an interdisciplinary lab. The role involves managing mouse colonies, performing in vivo studies, and handling molecular biology workflows with precision.

The candidate will document results, maintain lab records, and assist with training of junior staff. The position is onsite, with a schedule Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and requires a degree with relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a Basic Science or related field; two years may substitute.
• One year of relevant laboratory experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Animal Science, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage breeding and experimental mouse colonies, including breeding setup, weaning, genotyping, health monitoring, colony maintenance, and generation of experimental cohorts.
• In Vivo Research Support: dosing, treatments, blood collection, tumor measurements, imaging support, surgical assistance, tissue collection, and study endpoint procedures.
• Molecular Biology: PCR-based genotyping, DNA/RNA isolation, protein extraction, and sample preparation for analyses.
• Laboratory Operations: document procedures, maintain records, inventories, and ensure compliance with guidelines.
• Team Collaboration: communicate with lab members, veterinary staff, and core facilities; train students and staff on techniques.

Skills

Molecular biology

In vivo

Animal handling

PCR

Genotyping

DNA/RNA isolation

Tissue processing

Data management

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in Basic Science

Bachelor's degree preferred

Two years experience substituting for degree

Tools

PCR

Genotyping

DNA/RNA isolation

Tissue processing

Job description

Job Title: Research Technician I - Cancer Research

Division: Therapeutic Innovation Center

Work Arrangement: Onsite only

Location: Houston, TX

Salary Range: $32,355 - $38,065

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Summary

The Westbrook lab is seeking a talented research technician to work in an interdisciplinary environment on the development of new therapeutic strategies for cancer. The Research Technician I performs routine and specialized laboratory and animal research procedures in support of ongoing biomedical research projects. This position requires technical skills, scientific knowledge, and attention to detail to carry out established experimental protocols, maintain research animal colonies, collect and process biological samples, document results, and contribute to overall laboratory operations.

The successful candidate will work closely with investigators, laboratory personnel, veterinary staff, and collaborators to support studies utilizing mouse models and molecular biology techniques.

Some after hours and occassional weekend work may be required.

Job Duties

• Research Animal Colony Management
  • Manage breeding and experimental mouse colonies, including breeding setup, weaning, genotyping, health monitoring, colony maintenance, and generation of experimental cohorts.
  • Maintain accurate colony records and ensure compliance with institutional animal care and use guidelines.
• In Vivo Research Support
  • Perform animal procedures including dosing, treatments, blood collection, tumor measurements, imaging support, surgical assistance, tissue collection, and study endpoint procedures.
  • Assist with monitoring and documenting animal health and experimental outcomes.
• Molecular Biology and Sample Processing
  • Perform routine molecular and cellular biology techniques, including PCR-based genotyping, DNA and RNA isolation, protein extraction, and sample preparation for downstream analyses.
  • Process blood and tissue specimens according to established laboratory protocols.
  • Assist with data collection, organization, and basic analysis of experimental results.
• Laboratory Operations and Documentation
  • Document experimental procedures, results, and observations in laboratory records and databases.
  • Maintain treatment records, sample inventories, tissue repositories, and other research tracking systems.
  • Order, organize, and maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment.
  • Ensure laboratory and animal procedure areas remain organized, stocked, and compliant with established protocols.
• Team Collaboration and Training
  • Communicate effectively with laboratory members, collaborators, veterinary staff, and core facilities to support research activities.
  • Assist in training students, new laboratory personnel, and other staff on laboratory techniques, animal procedures, and workflows.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Two years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Experience managing mouse breeding colonies and maintaining detailed animal records.
• Experience with animal handling and in vivo research procedures.
• Experience with PCR, genotyping, DNA/RNA isolation, tissue processing, and other molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with animal research regulatory requirements and documentation practices.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data management tools.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Work Authorization Requirement:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.

Baylor College of Medicine fosters diversity among its students, trainees, faculty, and staff as a prerequisite to accomplishing our institutional mission and setting standards for excellence in training healthcare providers and biomedical scientists, promoting scientific innovation, and providing patient-centered care. Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.