Research Associate

The Therapeutic Innovation Center is seeking talented biochemist and structural biologist to work in an interdisciplinary team environment on early therapeutic and drug discovery projects. As the Center's key focus is on diseases in which RNA is dysregulated, with an emphasis in cancer, the Research Associate role will involve characterizing the biochemical and structural features of RNA processing enzymes using a variety of assays.  Will be expected to work closely with the existing multidisciplinary teams and communicate progress and needs.

• Develops and validates biochemical assays to characterize the in vitro activity of key RNA processing enzymes
• Evaluates, analyzes and presents data associated with experiments
• Documents and communicates (oral and written) experimental results and progress to principal investigators
• Works effectively independently and as part of a collaborative team in a highly dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment
• Annotates and maintains protocol repositories and laboratory reports
• May supervise, schedule and coordinate the activities of less experienced research staff
• Designs, plans and executes experimental protocols to establish biochemical activity of RNA processing enzymes and determine kinetics of inhibition with small molecule inhibitors
• Designs, plans and executes structural studies of RNA processing enzymes to establish mechanism of activity and determine site of small molecule inhibitors
• Works in collaboration with the team to design and execute protein expression and purification studies
• Maintains a collaborative, collegial and respectful team environment

• Master's degree in Basic Science or a related field.  Experience in lieu of degree will not be accepted.
• Three years of relevant experience typically as a Research Assistant, Research Technician or Postdoctoral Fellow/Associate.

• Expertise in protein expression and purification from E. coli, insect cells, and mammalian cells
• Experience with developing crystallization strategy for X-ray crystallography
• Competency in multiple key biochemistry areas including activity and binding assay development, assay miniaturization, assay deployment to determine inhibition

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

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