Research Assistant II

Baylor College of Medicine; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Baylor College of Medicine Anne Anderson Lab is seeking a Research Associate to support translational neuroscience work on TSC, Angelman syndrome, and related disorders. The role uses neurophysiological, neuroimaging, behavioral, and in vivo approaches to study disease mechanisms and biomarkers.

A major focus is preclinical evaluation of therapies, including gene therapies, emphasizing EEG, epilepsy, and seizure phenotypes and responses to intervention.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Research and Experimental Design – design and support translational neuroscience studies across ages and disease models; conduct in vivo studies of phenotypes and therapies; maintain accurate records.

Skills

Three years of experience

Leadership motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Basic Science or related field

Master's degree in basic science

Job description

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

Summary

The Research Associate in the Anne Anderson Lab will support translational neuroscience research focused on Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), Angelman syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The position will investigate disease mechanisms and clinically relevant biomarkers using neurophysiological, neuroimaging, behavioral, and in vivo experimental approaches.

A major focus of the position will be the preclinical evaluation of therapeutic approaches, including gene therapies, using appropriate in vivo models. Particular emphasis will be placed on EEG, epilepsy, and behavioral phenotypes associated with these disorders and on evaluating changes in these phenotypes following therapeutic intervention.

The Research Associate will work closely with members of the Anne Anderson Lab and multidisciplinary collaborators to conduct research studies, collect and analyze experimental data, apply quantitative EEG and multimodal approaches, and contribute to the development of translational biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for TSC, Angelman syndrome, and potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by early-life seizures and epilepsy.

Job Duties

• Research and Experimental Design – 60%
  Conduct and support translational neuroscience studies investigating the neurophysiological, behavioral, and disease-related consequences of genetic alterations associated with TSC, Angelman syndrome, and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Assist with the development and implementation of experimental protocols across different ages, disease models, and experimental conditions. Conduct in vivo studies evaluating disease phenotypes and therapeutic interventions, including gene therapies. Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure adherence to approved research protocols.
• EEG and Neurophysiological Biomarker Development – 5%
  Acquire, process, and analyze EEG recordings from relevant animal models. Perform quantitative EEG and spectral power analyses, with particular emphasis on seizure-related activity and delta-band (1–4 Hz) abnormalities during wakefulness and sleep. Assist in evaluating EEG measures as translational biomarkers of disease and therapeutic response and contribute to standardized analytical approaches for longitudinal and preclinical studies.
• Neuroimaging, Data Analysis, and Multimodal Integration – 15%
  Perform and/or support MRI, MRS, and other neuroimaging studies. Process and analyze neuroimaging and physiological datasets and integrate EEG, imaging, behavioral, and molecular findings. Apply quantitative analytical methods to characterize disease-associated abnormalities and evaluate changes following therapeutic intervention.
• Research Collaboration and Dissemination – 15%
  Work collaboratively with members of the Anne Anderson Lab, research staff, trainees, and external collaborators to execute research projects. Assist with data interpretation, preparation of scientific presentations, manuscripts, abstracts, and grant applications. Contribute to laboratory meetings, scientific discussions, and the development and implementation of preclinical therapeutic studies.
• Mentorship of Undergraduate Research Trainees – 5%
  Provide day-to-day guidance and mentorship to rotating undergraduate students, primarily from Rice University, participating in laboratory research. Assist students with experimental procedures, data collection, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and interpretation while promoting a rigorous and collaborative research environment.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in basic science or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability and strong motivation to lead research projects.
• Previous experience in Neuroscience field.

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.