Research Associate – RNA Biology, TX, United States

The Therapeutic Innovation Center is seeking talented cell and molecular biologists to work in an interdisciplinary team environment on early therapeutic and drug discovery projects. As our key focus is on diseases of gene regulation, with an emphasis on cancer, this position will involve cancer and normal cell line engineering, characterizing the consequences of target perturbation using a variety of cellular and phenotypic assays and development of assays to monitor the molecular consequences of target perturbation. This position will be expected to plan, execute and analyze assigned experiments with minimal supervision and to be able to troubleshoot as needed.

Job Duties

* Plans, directs and executes experimental protocols to perturb (RNAi, CRISPR, over-expression, etc.) gene of interest function in a variety of cell lines.
* Develops and validates cellular and molecular assays to characterize the consequences of target perturbation.
* Evaluates and analyzes data, including RNAseq datasets, associated with assigned experiments.
* Clearly documents and communicates (oral and written) experimental results and progress to principal investigators.
* Works independently and effectively in a highly dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment.
* May supervise, schedule and coordinate the activities of less experienced research staff.
* Frequently handles/works with biohazards or risks for potential job-related injury, such as those found in an ordinary laboratory environment.

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

* Expertise designing and executing experiments to characterize the phenotypic and molecular consequences of target perturbation in vitro and in vivo.
* Experience analyzing and interpreting RNAseq data.
* Experience with mammalian cell culture, experience with a variety of cell types and growth conditions including meticulous sterile technique and attention to detail.
* Experience with genetic perturbation techniques including RNAi and CRISPR/CAS9 technologies, lentiviral/retroviral production and stable cell line generation/maintenance.
* Experience with mouse models including colony management, genotyping, IP/subcutaneous injections, oral gavage.
* Experience with the following techniques: transfection/electroporation, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, western blot, qPCR, nanostring and standard subcloning (restriction digest based, Gateway, etc).