Research Associate - Cardiac Gene Therapy

1000scholars; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor College of Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate to join the Laboratory for Translational Therapeutics. You will lead planning, execution, and supervision of projects using in vitro and in vivo models to study cardiovascular disease and experimental gene therapies.

Candidates should have a Master's in Basic Science and at least three years of relevant experience; a PhD and animal surgery experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; PhD preferred.
• Experience with animal surgery is a plus.
• Strong molecular biology and in vitro/in vivo skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rodent survival and non-survival surgeries for cardiovascular disease models.
• Plan and execute molecular cloning workflows with minimal oversight.
• Perform in vitro experiments and routine tissue culture to support vector production.
• Analyze in vivo and ex vivo data, including cardiac function measurements.
• Potentially supervise junior researchers.

Skills

In vivo experimentation

Molecular biology techniques

Cardiovascular biology

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Basic Science or related field

PhD in related field (preferred)

Tools

PCR

Gibson assembly

Plasmid preparation

Tissue culture

Echocardiography

ECG

Job description

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Summary

Step into a pivotal role as a Research Associate and help drive groundbreaking discoveries! You will be an integral part of the Laboratory for Translational Therapeutics, passionately supporting our mission to develop innovative strategies for treating human disease. In this dynamic position, you will be at the forefront of exciting science, focusing on controlling immunomodulation to reduce heart and lung fibrosis and harnessing novel CRISPR systems to conquer bioenergetic deficiencies. You will take ownership of your research, directly shaping our success through the expert planning, execution, and occasional supervision of vital projects using in vitro and in vivo models. Applicants with any experience in at least one of the following are encouraged to apply: cardiovascular biology, gene therapies or surgical animal models.

Job Duties

• Independently performs rodent (rat/mouse) survival and non-survival surgeries for cardiovascular disease models (e.g., LAD ligation, intramyocardial injection)
• Plans and executes molecular cloning workflows (e.g., PCR, Gibson assembly, plasmid preparation) with minimal oversight
• Performs in vitro experiments and routine tissue culture (e.g., transfection, cell line maintenance) to support vector production and independent experimental aims
• Acquires, processes, and analyzes in vivo and ex vivo data, including cardiac functional measurements (e.g., echocardiography, ECG, IVIS imaging) and tissue-based analyses following harvest (e.g., IF, IHC)
• May supervise, schedule and coordinate the activities of less experienced research staff
• Provides occasional supervision and task delegation; titles overseen may include undergraduate student researchers
• 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 in a related field
• Experience with animal surgery
• Experience with molecular cloning workflows (e.g., PCR, Gibson assembly, plasmid preparation)
• Background in cardiovascular biology or cardiomyopathies

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