Summary

The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research (CMMR) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is seeking a Research Assistant with a strong molecular biology background to work in a high-throughput production environment. The role involves processing samples for metagenomics and microbiome research and requires the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while following established protocols with minimal supervision. This position will support and coordinate projects involving a wide range of sample types from collaborators worldwide.

Job Duties

• Designs and conducts research experiments involving nucleic acid analysis and sequencing workflows.
• Performs nucleic acid quantification using fluorometric assays and gel electrophoresis.
• Executes sequencing library preparation protocols, including hybridization-based enrichment.
• Normalizes and pools nucleic acids for DNA sequencing.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes experimental data; documents and interprets results for reporting to principal investigators.
• Manages sample handling for in-house R&D experiments and production pipelines.
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for specific studies.
• Oversees maintenance of laboratory equipment and shared workspaces.
• Assists in preparing laboratory reports and ordering supplies and equipment.
• May assign activities to less experienced research staff and perform other duties as assigned.
• Manage and curate large datasets, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Develop and maintain databases to organize and query genomic and microbiome data.
• Contribute to genome assembly, annotation, and comparative genomics analyses.
• Provide coding and computational support in Python, R, and Bash.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support ongoing microbiome and virome research initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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