Research Assistant I - Immunology Research

Baylor College of Medicine; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor College of Medicine in Houston is seeking a Research Assistant I to support Dr. Mysore's translational immunology lab within the Department of Pediatrics at Texas Children's Hospital. The role involves performing experiments, processing specimens, maintaining records, and assisting with regulatory and operational tasks in a collaborative academic setting.

Occasional weekends may be required. A Bachelor's degree in a basic science and at least two years of relevant experience are required;

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and perform experiments using established laboratory techniques.
• Plan timelines and execute studies with minimal day‑to‑day oversight.
• Perform immune cell phenotyping and functional analyses using flow cytometry and microscopy.
• Maintain PBMCs and conduct tissue collection and histologic staining as needed.
• Isolate nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) and ensure quality control.

Skills

Independent work

Scientific judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Basic Science

Master's degree in basic science

Tools

Flow cytometry

PCR

DNA/RNA extraction

PBMC isolation

Cell sorting

Job description

Job Title: Research Assistant I - Immunology Research Division: Pediatrics Work Arrangement: Onsite only Location: Houston, TX Salary Range: $47,372 - $55,731 FLSA Status: Nonexempt Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Summary

The Research Assistant I will support research in Dr. Krupa Mysore's translational laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, located at Texas Children's Hospital. The laboratory studies immune alterations in children with chronic liver diseases, with the goal of advancing discoveries that improve disease understanding, diagnosis, and treatment. The Research Assistant I will contribute to laboratory and clinical research activities by performing experiments, processing and analyzing biological specimens, maintaining accurate research records, and supporting regulatory and operational functions. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking hands‑on research experience within a collaborative academic medical center.

Occasional weekends may be required.

Job Duties

• Independently design, coordinate, and perform experiments using established and evolving laboratory techniques.
• Plan experimental timelines, prioritize competing research activities, and independently execute studies with minimal day‑to‑day oversight.
• Perform immune cell phenotyping and functional analyses using flow cytometry (FACS), microscopy, or both.
• Conduct mouse colony maintenance, animal husbandry, genotyping, tissue collection (spleen, liver, blood), and histologic staining.
• Isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from human specimens and maintain accurate biorepository records.
• Perform sterile cell culture and co‑culture experiments.
• Conduct PCR, DNA and RNA isolation, and quality control procedures.
• Process human samples for single‑cell studies and prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, and culture media.
• Document, analyze, and interpret experimental results and report findings to the Principal Investigator.
• Ensure laboratory spaces remain compliant with institutional safety policies, laboratory inspection requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Support a safe, organized, and collaborative research environment in conjunction with other members of the Human Immunology Laboratory.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers and culture media.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a basic‑science or related field.
• Experience with DNA and RNA extraction, handling, and analysis.
• Experience isolating PBMCs and maintaining detailed biorepository records.
• Experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting is preferred but not required.
• Proven ability to work independently with limited supervision while exercising sound scientific judgment.

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.

Requisition ID: 26169

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.