Summary

The Chelu Lab at Baylor College of Medicine is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant I to support ongoing studies in cardiac arrhythmia research. This position involves conducting a variety of laboratory experiments, including immunohistochemistry, tissue imaging, western blotting, and mouse colony maintenance. The role offers hands-on experience in a collaborative research environment, with opportunities for growth and development. The ideal candidate will be proactive, organized, and eager to contribute to impactful cardiovascular research.

Job Duties

• Assists in planning and executing experiments related to cardiac arrhythmia research using mouse models and human tissue samples under PI supervision.
• Performs laboratory techniques including immunohistochemistry, western blotting, tissue imaging, and mouse surgeries with proper documentation in lab notebooks.
• Manages and maintains mouse colonies, including genotyping, weaning, and postoperative care, in coordination with lab staff and veterinary services.
• Prepares experimental data for lab meetings, figures for manuscripts, and presentations using tools like GraphPad and ImageJ.
• Coordinates with BCM core facilities for tissue processing, histology, and sequencing services.
• Orders lab supplies and assists in evaluating new equipment for experimental protocols, supporting efficient lab operations.
• Contributes to lab organization and cleanliness, ensuring shared equipment and workspaces are well-maintained.
• Works in a team of 6–8 lab members; supports projects funded through NIH grants totaling approximately $500,000 annually.
• Supports cardiovascular research projects focused on molecular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias.
• Conducts and troubleshoots experiments involving mouse cardiac tissue and stem cell-derived models.
• Assists in maintaining genetically modified mouse lines used in arrhythmia and conduction system disease models.
• Prepares and processes cardiac tissue samples for histological analysis and imaging.
• Coordinates with the Cardiovascular Research Institute and other BCM labs for shared resources and collaborative studies.
• Maintains lab inventory and ensures compliance with institutional protocols (IACUC, biosafety, etc.)

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.