Research Associate – Baylor College of Medicine (BCM)

Dr. Putluri’s lab is applying mass spectrometry technology to study metabolic profiling studies in cancer development and progression. Our lab established a robust research program in bladder cancer research. Particularly, we have characterized metabolic alterations associated with smoking in bladder cancer, health disparity and defined a role xenobiotic metabolism in bladder cancer progression. We use a variety of pre-clinical models including cancer cell lines, Organoid cultures, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM). We are seeking highly motivated senior research Associate, who is interested in translational tumor research.

Job Purpose

The project involves studying epigenetic mechanisms using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. The focus of our laboratory is cancer metabolism and tumorigenesis. The research work will involve a combination of metabolomics, genomics, epigenomics, shRNA KD, CRISPR-gene editing approaches, over expression and a variety of model systems including cell line, organoids, mice and PDXs.

Job Duties

• Collects, compiles and analyzes data.
• Prepares and conducts laboratory research experiments.
• Collaborates with scientists out of the lab for multidisciplinary study.
• Develops new model and technique to support the cancer-related research in the lab.
• Operate all the mass spectrometry instrumentation needed for the projects (training will be provided as needed).
• Document experimental procedures in precise details.
• Collect and compile imaging data.
• Assist in day to day operation of running scientific research lab.
• Attend lab meetings.
• Seeks external funding via grants applications/submissions.
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
• Should write the IACUC, IRB and IBC reports and ensure these are kept updated.
• Demonstrate competency in method development, execution, data analysis, and interpretation of metabolomics profiling and quantitative targeted assays.
• Conduct independent research in the field of cancer metabolism.

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

• PhD in related field is a plus.
• Prior experiences in tissue culture and basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, DNA purification, Western blot, etc.).
• Experience with handling animal models including performing/maintaining therapeutic experiments using mouse models will be plus.
• Experience with LCMS or Cancer metabolism will be plus.