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Job Posting Title:
Research Associate
Location:
Dallas - Hospital
Additional Posting Details:
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
Cell Processing and Culture
- Perform processing of blood and bone marrow samples, including filtration, Ficoll gradient separation, and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS).
- Isolate and culture bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs); perform osteogenic induction and staining procedures such as Alizarin Red and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining.
- Maintain macrophage cultures, including routine medium changes, stimulation, detachment/harvesting, and cryopreservation.
Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering
- Apply molecular biology techniques such as single-cell cloning and cell line development.
- Perform genome-editing experiments using CRISPR/Cas9 systems, RNA interference (RNAi), or other gene-modulation tools.
- Validate edited or cloned cells through PCR genotyping, sequencing, and phenotype-based assays.
- Contribute to optimization of cloning, transfection, and gene-editing workflows.
Imaging and Instrumentation
- Conduct micro-CT scanning, image reconstruction, and quantitative data analysis.
- Utilize microscopes for live/dead viability staining, routine culture monitoring, and morphological assessments.
Molecular and Biochemical Assays
- Perform RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) for gene-expression analysis.
- Conduct biochemical assays including ELISA, BCA protein quantification, Western blot analysis, and MTT viability assays.
- Prepare samples, reagents, and staining panels for flow cytometry (FACS) analysis.
Software and Data Analysis
- Analyze imaging and experimental data using CTAn, CTVolX, FlowJo, ImageJ/Fiji, Excel-based qPCR analysis tools, and GraphPad Prism.
- Maintain accurate electronic records and generate figures, data summaries, and reports.
Laboratory Operations
- Prepare, track, and manage chemical, reagent, and supply orders; complete order forms and submit purchasing requests.
- Assist with maintaining laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, and routine quality-control documentation.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of laboratory experience, or master’s degree with 5 years of laboratory experience required.
- Strong critical thinking and time-management skills.
- Ability to multi-task and work with minimal supervision in a research environment.
- Experience with cell cloning and gene editing is preferred.
- Prior experience in immunology or bone biology is strongly preferred. (inflammation, macrophage biology, or immuno-modulation)
