Summary

The center for cardiac engineering and regenerative medicine in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery is seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant I to support with research projects in the field of cardiomyocyte biology and cardiac regeneration. Both human tissue samples and sophisticated animal models will be utilized and analyzed using the most advanced technologies. The Research Assistant I will work under the general guidance of a principal investigator. Prior experience in the field of immunology is highly desired.

Job Duties

Laboratory experiment responsibilities (50%)

• Conduct and oversee in vitro or in vivo experiments using human or mouse samples.
• Assist in the experiments of other researchers.
• Manage animal husbandry and health within animal facilities, including genotyping and weaning.
• Organize experimental schedules.
• Collect human and mice tissues/blood for single cell preparations.
• Write regular reports detailing project development, progress, and findings, and presenting these at lab meetings.
• Generate figures and tables for manuscripts, grants, and oral/poster presentation.

Manage transfers and activities in collaboration with other labs (40%)

• Maintain antibody banks.
• Perform immunohistochemistry, time-of-flight mass cytometry, and imaging mass cytometry.
• DNA, RNA, and protein extraction. 
• Sample submissions to and pickups from the BCM or MD Anderson Cancer Center Cores.

Additional assigned duties (10%)

• Regular inspections and maintenance of all laboratory equipment and research materials.
• Managing cryotanks, freezers and refrigerators. 
• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with hands-on rodent handling and survival surgery. 
• Two years of relevant research experience with in vivo and in vitro experimentation.
• Previous experience in immunology or cardiac research.