Research Assistant II

Summary

The Division of Tropical Medicine, led by scientists with experience in vaccine development for neglected and emerging infectious diseases, is looking to recruit a Research Assistant II for Research Operations. BCM is located in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center and offers a highly interactive environment and a strong infrastructure for research and career development. The Research Assistant II will perform complex research of an advanced nature under the general direction of the Principal Investigator. Typically requires a high-level of skills and expertise in the area of research specialty.

Job Duties

• Plans, directs, and conducts research experiments.
• Evaluates and analyzes data.
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
• Documents results of experiments and reports to principal investigators.
• Trains and orients less experienced research staff.
• Defines problems and possible solutions.
• Oversees the maintenance of lab equipment and environment.
• May assign activities to less experienced research staff.
• Plan, coordinate, perform and/or direct responsible research work on an advanced nature that requires skills and expertise acquired through training and actual laboratory experimentation. 
• Prepare laboratory reagents and check inventory regularly to ensure well stocked and efficient laboratory operations; 
• Assist with glassware cleaning, chemical waste disposal and the maintenance of equipment. 
• Careful record keeping of experimental procedures and results in lab notebooks and electronically as well as reporting to comply with all relevant regulations is very important. 
• Perform molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, molecular cloning, plasmid transformation and transfection, gene editing, and other nucleic acid manipulation methods.
• Culture, maintain, and optimize genetically engineered host systems, including bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cell lines, for recombinant protein expression and production.
• Conduct fermentation and bioprocessing operations, including preparation and sterilization of media, operation and calibration of bioreactors, process monitoring, and related activities.
• Execute protein purification workflows utilizing techniques such as tangential flow filtration (TFF), fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), dialysis, centrifugation, and other downstream processing methods.
• Perform analytical characterization of proteins using assays and instrumentation including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and related techniques.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), experimental protocols, laboratory records, technical reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Analyze experimental data, maintain accurate research records, and present findings to the PI and research team.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, laboratory, biosafety, and regulatory requirements while maintaining a safe and organized research environment.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in basic science or a related field.

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.