Research Technician III

Summary

Baylor College of Medicine, in partnership with the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital, is seeking a Research Technician III to support a translational research laboratory focused on mechanobiology, epithelial signaling, and congenital lung disease. This position will support molecular, cell-based, tissue-based, and animal studies investigating how biomechanical forces regulate lung development and epithelial function.

The Research Technician III will serve as the primary technical and operational support for the laboratory, assisting with molecular cloning, mechanobiology assays, precision-cut lung slice (PCLS) systems, mRNA production, and coordination of animal studies. The role also includes management of laboratory operations, inventory systems, and IACUC-related documentation to ensure continuity of research activities and regulatory compliance.

This position operates with a high degree of independence, supports multiple ongoing projects, and collaborates closely with postdoctoral fellows, surgical research fellows, and students to maintain experimental rigor, reproducibility, and overall research productivity.

Job Duties

• Conduct complex laboratory procedures in accordance with approved protocols under guidance of PI.
• Perform mechanobiology and epithelial biology assays including mammalian cell culture, immunofluorescence, qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, RNA extraction, and related molecular techniques.
• Support molecular cloning workflows including plasmid preparation and construct validation.
• Assist with organoid and precision-cut lung slice (PCLS) experiments and support small animal tissue harvests and downstream processing.
• Prepare, operate, maintain, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and experimental systems including stretch-based assay platforms.
• Assist with protocol optimization, pilot experiments, and assay troubleshooting.
• Maintain laboratory organization, equipment, inventory systems, and regulatory documentation while ensuring compliance with BCM and TCH research and safety policies.
• Coordinate procurement and tracking of laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Draft and maintain IACUC protocols and amendments with investigator oversight.
• Oversee proper labeling, storage, and disposal of biological samples and hazardous materials.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs as needed.
• Collect, compile, and analyze experimental data with attention to accuracy and reproducibility.
• Prepare research summaries, figures, and data reports for faculty review and laboratory meetings.
• Maintain organized laboratory notebooks and electronic data systems.
• Work closely with investigators, postdoctoral fellows, surgical research fellows, and students to support laboratory research objectives.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, troubleshooting discussions, and data review sessions.
• May assist with preparation of technical sections for abstracts, manuscripts, or grant-related documents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in basic science or a related field.