Summary

A Research Assistant II position is available immediately within the Human Stem Cell and Neuronal Differentiation Core (HSCNDC) at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. This position performs responsible research work that requires planning, completing, and occasionally overseeing limited research projects in accordance with general plans approved by the supervisor. Research Assistant II assists with core facility management, including maintaining positive client relationships, providing usage records for billing purposes, and overseeing equipment and supply inventory. Previous relevant training and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams utilizing molecular biology techniques and human pluripotent stem cells in basic and clinical research is critical.  

The ideal candidate will have prior laboratory experience and be comfortable working in a team-based research environment. Experience with basic molecular biology techniques is required, and familiarity with human pluripotent stem cell work is preferred.

Occasional weekends will be required.

Job Duties

• Coordinates receipt, accessioning, processing, and storage of biological specimens in accordance with biobank and laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
• Oversee general laboratory and biobank upkeep, including routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment, automated platforms, and work areas to ensure safety and operational efficiency. 
• Monitors laboratory supply inventory, places orders as needed and help ensure continuous laboratory and Core facility operations. 
• Communicates daily with Core facility users to support experimental needs. 
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across TMC, BCM, and NRI to coordinate collection, transfer, and processing of patient samples. 
• Plans and performs requested services under established SOPs, including isolation of cells from human biospecimens and PBMC isolation from whole blood. 
• Prepares tissue culture media and other reagents required for Core operations and research activities. 
• Performs a range of laboratory procedures, including DNA, RNA, and protein extraction from blood and other biospecimens, as well as molecular biology assays using established protocols. 
• Generates induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patient-derived fibroblasts and blood cells using Sendai virus methods. 
• Maintains, selects, expands, banks, and characterizes iPSC lines with consistent documentation of daily activities. 
• Differentiates iPSCs into neurons, neural progenitor cells, and glial cells for downstream experimental use. 
• Documents experiment thoroughly, evaluate and analyze data, and reports results to supervisors. 
• Conducts literature and protocol reviews to support ongoing studies and implementation of new sample types, technologies, and workflows. 
• Assists with preparation of materials for manuscripts and grant applications. 
• Provides basic guidance to less experienced staff and assists in troubleshooting experimental and technical issues in collaboration with supervisors. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of laboratory and biobank operations.

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.
• Experience with molecular biology and tissue culture work.
• Qualified candidates should have strong experimental track record in working with human induced pluripotent and/or embryonic stem cells.