Research Assistant I - Cardiac Arrhythmia Research
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX
$47,372 - $55,731 a year
Description
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.
Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.
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