Research Associate - Cardiac Gene Therapy

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston seeks a Research Associate to support the Laboratory for Translational Therapeutics. The role focuses on immunomodulation strategies to treat human disease, with emphasis on cardiovascular biology, gene therapies, and surgical animal models.

You will plan, execute, and supervise projects using in vitro and in vivo models. Ideal candidates hold a Master’s degree in Basic Science with 3+ years of relevant experience; PhD and animal surgery experience are

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Basic Science or related field required.
• Three years of relevant experience typically as a Research Assistant, Research Technician or Postdoctoral Fellow/Associate.
• PhD in a related field is preferred.
• Experience with animal surgery is preferred.
• Experience with molecular cloning workflows (PCR, Gibson assembly, plasmid preparation) is preferred.
• Background in cardiovascular biology or cardiomyopathies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs rodent survival and non-survival surgeries for cardiovascular disease models.
• Plans and executes molecular cloning workflows with minimal oversight.
• Performs in vitro experiments and routine tissue culture to support vector production.
• Acquires, processes, and analyzes in vivo and ex vivo data including cardiac measurements.
• May supervise and coordinate activities of less experienced research staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Animal surgery experience

Cardiovascular biology knowledge

Data interpretation

Education

Master's degree in Basic Science or related field

PhD in related field

Tools

PCR

Gibson assembly

Plasmid preparation

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.