Research Technician I - Cancer Research

Baylor College of Medicine; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor College of Medicine's Westbrook lab seeks a Research Technician I to support cancer-related biomedical research. The role involves routine and specialized lab and animal procedures, colony maintenance, sample processing, and detailed documentation to support ongoing projects.

The successful candidate will collaborate with investigators, veterinary staff, and core facilities, employing mouse models and molecular biology techniques. Some after-hours work may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a Basic Science or related field; two years may substitute for degree
• One year of relevant experience
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Animal Science, or related field (preferred)
• Experience managing mouse colonies and maintaining animal records (preferred)
• Experience with animal handling and in vivo procedures (preferred)
• Experience with PCR, genotyping, DNA/RNA isolation, tissue processing (preferred)
• Familiarity with animal research regulatory requirements and documentation (preferred)
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills (preferred)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data management tools (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Manage breeding and experimental mouse colonies and generate cohorts
• Perform in vivo procedures: dosing, blood collection, tumor measurements, surgical assistance
• Molecular biology: PCR genotyping, DNA/RNA isolation, protein extraction
• Process samples and maintain data: record results and manage inventories
• Document procedures and observations in lab records/databases
• Train students and new staff in techniques and workflows
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education

Associate's degree in Basic Science or related field

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Biochem/Biomedical Sciences

Job description

Job Title: Research Technician I - Cancer Research

Division: Therapeutic Innovation Center

Work Arrangement: Onsite only

Location: Houston, TX

Salary Range: $32,355 - $38,065

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

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

Summary

The Westbrook lab is seeking a talented research technician to work in an interdisciplinary environment on the development of new therapeutic strategies for cancer. The Research Technician I performs routine and specialized laboratory and animal research procedures in support of ongoing biomedical research projects. This position requires technical skills, scientific knowledge, and attention to detail to carry out established experimental protocols, maintain research animal colonies, collect and process biological samples, document results, and contribute to overall laboratory operations.

The successful candidate will work closely with investigators, laboratory personnel, veterinary staff, and collaborators to support studies utilizing mouse models and molecular biology techniques.

Some after hours and occassional weekend work may be required.

Job Duties

• Research Animal Colony Management
  Manage breeding and experimental mouse colonies, including breeding setup, weaning, genotyping, health monitoring, colony maintenance, and generation of experimental cohorts.
  Maintain accurate colony records and ensure compliance with institutional animal care and use guidelines.
• In Vivo Research Support
  Perform animal procedures including dosing, treatments, blood collection, tumor measurements, imaging support, surgical assistance, tissue collection, and study endpoint procedures.
  Assist with monitoring and documenting animal health and experimental outcomes.
• Molecular Biology and Sample Processing
  Perform routine molecular and cellular biology techniques, including PCR-based genotyping, DNA and RNA isolation, protein extraction, and sample preparation for downstream analyses.
  Process blood and tissue specimens according to established laboratory protocols.
  Assist with data collection, organization, and basic analysis of experimental results.
• Laboratory Operations and Documentation
  Document experimental procedures, results, and observations in laboratory records and databases.
  Maintain treatment records, sample inventories, tissue repositories, and other research tracking systems.
  Order, organize, and maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment.
  Ensure laboratory and animal procedure areas remain organized, stocked, and compliant with established protocols.
• Team Collaboration and Training
  Communicate effectively with laboratory members, collaborators, veterinary staff, and core facilities to support research activities.
  Assist in training students, new laboratory personnel, and other staff on laboratory techniques, animal procedures, and workflows.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Two years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Experience managing mouse breeding colonies and maintaining detailed animal records.
• Experience with animal handling and in vivo research procedures.
• Experience with PCR, genotyping, DNA/RNA isolation, tissue processing, and other molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with animal research regulatory requirements and documentation practices.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data management tools.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

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.