Research Assistant II

Job Purpose

The lab of Dr. Cooper uses mice to investigate gene expression regulation during heart and skeletal development and as models to investigate mechanisms of the form of muscular dystrophy called myotonic dystrophy. The position requires use of molecular biology techniques to genotype mice and maintain mouse colonies, perform molecular analyses such as western blots, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy. The individual should enjoy being organized and detail oriented. The lab provides an interactive and stimulating environment with opportunities for independence and career growth.

Position requires use of molecular biology techniques to genotype mice and maintain mouse colonies, perform molecular analyses such as western blots, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy. The individual should enjoy being organized and detail oriented. The lab provides an interactive and stimulating environment with opportunities for independence and career growth.

Job Duties

• Order reagents for a lab of 8-10 researchers including monitoring inventory of supplies.
• Maintain equipment by contacting service personnel for repairs when required and managing maintenance contracts.
• Plans, directs, and conducts research experiments to compare protein and RNA expression in different tissues of mice to determine the impact of individual genes.
• Analysis of gene expression in cell culture, IF and FISH microscopy and can include work with AAV and CRISPR.
• Document results, evaluate and analyze data from western blots, RT-PCR analysis, PCR analysis and cell culture work and report to the principal investigator to be involved in discussions of conclusions and decisions regarding next steps.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• ​​​​​Master's degree in a related field.
• Direct research experience with at least two of the following: maitaining mouse colonies, mouse genotyping by PCR, RNA extraction, RT-PCR, PCR, genotyping, western blotting, IF and FISH microscopy
• Experience with some but not all molecular biology or cell culture techniques required.

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

6360

CA; CH