Research Associate

Baylor College of Medicine; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor College of Medicine is seeking a Research Associate to join the Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy within the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers. You will design advanced clinical and translational research experiments, ensure meticulous execution of protocols, and contribute to SOPs and workflows.

The role focuses on GMP-aligned cell therapy production, data analysis, and independent interpretation of results, with collaboration across interdisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Basic Science or related field; three years of relevant experience.
• PhD preferred; translational research, genetic engineering, and oncological/immunological disease experience.

Responsibilities

• Independent Experimental Design and Data Analysis (40%): design and execute experiments; troubleshoot protocols; perform advanced cell culture, flow cytometry, and related assays; analyze data; contribute to manuscripts.
• Process Ownership and SOP Development (35%): develop and revise GMP lab processes; draft SOPs for research and clinical workflows; ensure regulatory compliance; maintain lab equipment and environment.

Skills

Three years relevant experience

Advanced cell culture

Multiparametric flow cytometry

DNA/RNA/protein quantification

Fluorescent microscopy-based CO (diss)

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Basic Science or related field

Job description

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

Summary

A Research Associate position is currently available in the Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy within the Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers. The position will be part of an interdisciplinary team of laboratory and clinical investigators focused on developing novel forms or cancer immunotherapy. The Research Associate will focus on designing advanced clinical and translational research experiments and protocols, ensuring meticulous execution of approved protocols, and the development of Center SOPs and workflows.

Job Duties

Independent Experimental Design and Data Analysis (40%)

• Independently designs and executes experiments.
• Troubleshoots protocols as needed.
• Performs lab techniques include but are not limited to: advanced cell culture, killing assays, cytokine production measurement, DNA/RNA/protein quanitification, multiparametric flow cytometry, and fluorescent mircoscopy-based CO detection.
• Independently analyzes and interprets experimental data.
• Contributes prepared data and conclusions for inclusion in peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Process Ownership and SOP Development (35%)

• Contributes to process development and revision for clinical-grade cell therapy product production (GMP Lab, clinical trials).
• Drafts, refines, and implements SOPs for research (basic and clinical) and clinical GMP-aligned workflows with attention to critical federal, state, and industry regulations and patient safety.
• Ensures smooth change management for new and/or updated protocols.
• Oversees the maintenance of lab equipment and environment.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Basic Science or a related field. Experience in lieu of degree will not be accepted.
• Three years of relevant experience typically as a Research Assistant, Research Technician or Postdoctoral Fellow/Associate.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD
• Experience with translational research techniques, genetic engineering, and oncological/immunological disease manifestations

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.