Staff Scientist: Protein Engineering & Optogenetics Onsite

Baylor College of Medicine; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX seeks a Staff Scientist to lead projects on light-responsive proteins, including GEVIs and optogenetic silencers, using in vitro and in vivo systems. The role blends electrophysiology with advanced optical imaging.

Responsibilities include experimental design, data analysis, mentoring lab members, and contributing to publications and grants in a cutting-edge lab setting.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience engineering and characterizing genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors.
• Protein engineering and directed mutagenesis; molecular cloning.
• Mammalian cell culture and transfection; fluorescence/confocal microscopy.
• Experience with electrophysiology or two-photon imaging a plus.

Responsibilities

• Designs and conducts experiments combining electrophysiology with optogenetic activation or optical imaging (multi-photon fluorescence microscopy) to characterize GEVIs and optogenetic silencers in vitro and in vivo.
• Analyzes electrophysiology and imaging data using commercial software or customized data pipelines.
• Cultures mammalian cells; prepares brain slices and/or dissociated neurons; maintains and troubleshoots the electrophysiological rig and related reagent/tool supply.
• Reviews literature on voltage indicators, optogenetic silencers, and related protein engineering approaches to inform experimental design.
• Communicates research results in group meetings and at national or international conferences.
• Teaches techniques, procedures, and experimental design to other members of the lab.
• Characterizes and applies new light-responsive proteins (GEVIs and optogenetic silencers) in vitro and in vivo.
• Contributes to manuscript and grant report preparation.
• Maintains lab notebooks and data records per lab and institutional standards.

Skills

Genetically encoded fluorescent bios</

Education

Doctoral Degree

Post doctoral research experience (3 years)

Tools

Two-photon imaging

Job description

Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX seeks a Staff Scientist to lead projects on light-responsive proteins, including GEVIs and optogenetic silencers, using in vitro and in vivo systems. The role blends electrophysiology with advanced optical imaging.

Responsibilities include experimental design, data analysis, mentoring lab members, and contributing to publications and grants in a cutting-edge lab setting.