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.