Research Assistant II - Skeletal Biology

The Marom laboratory is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Research Assistant. Our lab is interested in genetic skeletal disorders, with a special focus on protein secretion and glycosylation defects. We are engaged in translational research to understand the mechanisms of these disorders and to identify potential therapeutic approaches that will improve the outcome in the patients. Additionally, by modeling these disorders we aim to understand the role of basic biological processes, such as ER-Golgi trafficking, protein glycosylation, ER stress and autophagy in skeletal development. Successful applicants should be well-organized, technically capable, willing to develop new skills and able to communicate effectively with members of the research team. They will have the opportunity to participate in exciting research involving rare and undiagnosed diseases, publish in scientific journals, and present at conferences.  

• Lab management: Maintenance of lab equipment and environment, ordering routine laboratory reagents, coordinating with vendors and BCM staff for purchasing, keeping inventory, managing lab organization, ensuring supplies are stocked, overseeing usage of lab equipment, scheduling regular maintenance of lab equipment, providing support in lab manuscript and grant writing.
• Mouse colony management, including organizing breeder cages, genotyping, keeping records, communicating with lab members and center for comparative medicine to ensure compliance with animal protocol and guidelines. 
• Planning and conducting independent research experiments using cell and/or animal models, including review of relevant literature, collection, analysis and critical interpretation of research data, presentation of data, and maintenance of a detailed lab notebook. 
• Performing a broad range of cell, molecular biology, and biochemistry assays, including tissue culture work, extraction of DNA, RNA and protein from cells and tissues, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blots, real time PCR, etc. 
• Collecting and processing mouse tissues for basic histology (including fixing, sectioning, and staining). 
• Establishing new research protocols and procedures in the laboratory. 
• Supervising and training students and other junior research staff members.

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

• Master's degree in Basic Science (Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field).  
• 3 years of relevant experience typically as a Research Assistant, Research Technician or Postdoctoral Fellow/Associate.
• Experience working with mouse models (e.g. breeding, tissue harvest, etc) and performing basic molecular genetic laboratory techniques such as PCR, western blots, and molecular cloning.
• Experience using graphical and statistical computer software (e.g. Excel, Adobe Illustrator, ImageJ, and GraphPad Prism). 

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

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