Summary

Research in the Hecker laboratory is broadly focused on lung injury-repair responses related to fibrotic and acute lung injury in the following areas: (1) understanding how normal physiologic repair responses “go awry” in aging, (2) how this contributes to the pathogenesis of age-dependent lung diseases, and (3) the development of novel treatments that target age-associated pathological mechanisms to ultimately promote repair. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated individual that wants to join a team-oriented lab carrying out research in these areas. Significant previous cell culture experience is required. Significant experience performing cellular, molecular, and biochemical assays is required. The ideal candidate will be a PhD or MD who will help to intellectually and technically drive all research projects within the lab and assist with decision making for research directions. This position requires high-level skills and expertise, with significant prior experience in cellular/molecular biology and biochemical assays. The Staff Scientist must troubleshoot effectively, work independently with minimal supervision and as part of the team.

Job Duties

• Drives cell and molecular biology research.
• Works with PI to design and conduct appropriate experiments to meet research goals.
• Develops, optimizes, and executes cellular, biochemical, immunological, and molecular assays, including cell culture, cell-based assays (oxidative stress, cell viability, senescence, apoptosis, proliferation), gene analysis (qPCR, Microarray), protein analyses (protein purification, western blotting, immunoprecipitation), ELISA, and genetic manipulation of cell lines to modify endogenous proteins or introduce modified proteins.
• Handles human cells and samples.
• Troubleshoots protocols.
• Reviews scientific literature to recommend protocol changes or identify new assays/methodologies as needed.
• Analyzes and interprets data.
• Maintains detailed records of studies conducted.
• Graphs data with GraphPad Prism, interprets findings, writes technical reports, presents results to team, and recommends future directions.
• Reviews scientific literature to summarize content areas for PI.
• Prepares data for manuscript and grant submission.
• Assists team with mouse drug treatments and tissue collection.
• Occasionally administers drugs to mice by oral gavage, intranasal administration, and injection (intra-peritoneal, subcutaneous, retro-orbital).
• Assists with mouse dissection and tissue collection.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree. Experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Three years of post doctoral research experience.

Department Specific Criteria

• Cell culture experience.
• Experience performing cellular, molecular, and biochemical assays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly when needed.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work with a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment to accomplish goals.
• Ability to break down complex scientific challenges, identify root causes, and apply critical thinking to develop innovative solutions.
• Ability to analyze data meticulously, interpret results accurately, and make informed decisions based on evidence.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems: to think logically, adapt to new information, and approach problems with a structured, methodical mindset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow complex instructions and function with minimal supervision.
• Attitude of growth, willingness to learn new skills, and a commitment to process improvement.
• Respects previously established lab protocols to ensure study reproducibility.
• Complies with lab systems (record-keeping and archiving of data) to ensure methodology, data, and samples can be retrieved from archives quickly.

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