The Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Douglas Burrin in the USDA Children's Nutrition Research Center and Baylor College of Medicine in the Texas Medical Center. The research in the Burrin Lab is focused on understanding how nutrition influences the growth, development and risk of diseases in premature infants. The Burrin Lab has pioneer various large animal models that are used to investigate clinically relevant nutritional questions and diseases in premature infants. The Research Associate will work independently under general supervision of PI to develop advanced research objectives using biochemical, molecular and cell biology research methods to assess how nutrition impacts neonatal animals in vivo and select nutrients in cell culture. The Research Associate also will serve as the laboratory manager and team member in the PI's research to execute the following job duties and in support of multiple research projects. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, organized, and able to work both independently and collaboratively with other members of the laboratory. Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal skills.

Job Duties

• Lead responsibility for coordinating with other Burrin lab members and administrative coordinator in purchasing of laboratory supplies, necessary reagents and minor equipment to support timely laboratory analysis.
• Develop and troubleshoot methods and protocols for isolation and purification of recombinant porcine FGF19 protein generated by the BCM Cores.
• Perform quality control assays to determine biological activity of purified protein and maintains accurate and timely records documenting the process.
• Perform cell culture experiments with immortalized cell lines and primary cell cultures in various formats including organoids, spheroids, and monolayers. Works with BCM DDC Core personnel to troubleshoot and perfect isolation and culture methods for porcine intestinal enteroids.
• Perform cellular and molecular method and protocols to quantify gene and protein expression using Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western immunoblotting.
• Develop new assays and troubleshoot existing biochemical and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) assays using colorimetric and fluorometric methods in 96-well microplate instruments.
• Assist with animal research studies with swine and rodents including surgeries, husbandry, clinical care and specimen collection and handling.
• Independently troubleshoot experiments and assist with the development and implementation of new standard operating procedures/processes for the laboratory.
• Serve in lead role to oversee operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and usage logs. Coordinate with equipment manufacture and service agents for repair and service.
• Assist PI with IACUC compliance and other lab inspections.
• Serve as the liaison between the lab and BCM Environmental Safety Officers for all laboratory protocols, including chemical, biological, and OHP safety protocols.
• Collaborate with BCM core labs to arrange for sample transfer, processing and retrieval of specimens.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Basic Science or a related field. Experience in lieu of degree will not be accepted.
• Three years of relevant experience typically as a Research Assistant, Research Technician or Postdoctoral Fellow/Associate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree and/or PhD in biochemistry or molecular biology
• Will consider PhD new graduate
• Three years of relevant experience typically as a Research Assistant, Research Technician in biomedical laboratory and large animal research

Baylor College of Medicine requires employees to be fully vaccinated -subject to approved exemptions-against vaccine-preventable diseases including, but not limited to, COVID-19 and influenza.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.

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