Postdoctoral Associate - Molecular and Chemical Biology

Baylor College of Medicine; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Drug Discovery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and characterize dTAG knock-in mouse models for biomedical and pharmacological research. The role uses CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, molecular biology, and animal experiments to study drug-metabolizing enzymes in vivo.

It provides training in genome engineering, conditional protein degradation, and translational pharmacology, with stipend guidance typical for NIH

Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with core facilities to design CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing strategies for dTAG-KI mice.
• Collects blood and tissues at designated time points.
• Evaluates target-protein expression via Western blotting.
• Performs animal dosing and experimental treatments.
• Maintains mouse colony management, breeding, and recordkeeping.
• Analyzes data and prepares figures, reports, and manuscripts.

Skills

Independent work

Analytical skills

Scientific communication

Education

MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science or Health Science

PhD, MD or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, biomedical sciences

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

Western blotting

In vivo mouse work

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate - Molecular and Chemical Biology

Division: Pathology

Work Arrangement: Onsite only

Location: Houston, TX

Salary Range: $63,480

FLSA Status: Exempt

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

Summary

The Center for Drug Discovery (https://www.bcm.edu/research/centers/drug-discovery) is a strategic research center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. The lab is seeking a highly self-motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and characterize dTAG knock-in (dTAG-KI) mouse models for biomedical and pharmacological research as part of an NIH R01-funded project. The Postdoctoral Associate will use CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology, molecular biology techniques, and animal experimentation to investigate the regulation and function of drug metabolizing enzyme in vivo. It provides a highly reliable tool for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) studies to understand the impact of a specific drug-metabolizing enzyme deficiency on drug efficacy and safety by switching the function completely on or off using dTAG molecules. The position offers an opportunity to gain advanced training in genome engineering, conditional protein degradation, animal-model development, and translational pharmacology.

Baylor College of Medicine typically follows similar to the NIH stipulated stipend guidelines for Postdoctoral Associates.

Job Duties

• Collaborates with Genetically Engineered Rodent Models Core at Baylor for the design and optimization of CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing strategies to create and characterize dTAG-KI mouse models.
• Collects blood, tissues, and other biological samples at designated time points.
• Evaluates target-protein expression and degradation using Western blotting and related molecular biology methods.
• Performs animal dosing and experimental treatments through appropriate administration routes.
• Performs routine mouse colony management that includes breeding, weaning, identification, and recordkeeping.
• Conducts molecular characterization and pharmacological studies (DMPK studies).
• Analyzes experimental data, maintains accurate research records, and prepares figures, reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience with mouse breeding and colony management.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, particularly Western blotting.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing or genetically engineered mouse models.
• Familiarity with inducible protein-degradation systems, including dTAG technology.
• Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and scientific communication skills.

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.