Research Assistant I - Breast Cancer Research
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX
Job posting number: #7373565 (Ref:26625-en_US)
Posted: November 14, 2026
Job Description
Summary
The Zhao-Rosen Lab is an established breast cancer research group at the Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center and the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. mRNA abundance correlates poorly with protein output, yet translational regulation remains one of the most understudied layers of cancer biology. Led by Dr. Na Zhao, we study how selective mRNA translation drives cancer progression, shapes the tumor immune ecosystem, and creates therapeutic vulnerabilities in primary tumor and metastatic disease.
We combine ribosome profiling, spatial and single-cell omics, immunocompetent mouse tumor models, patient-derived xenografts, and clinical samples to map translation dependencies across tumor evolution. Current work on the RNA helicase eIF4A has supported the initiation of a clinical trial. The lab is currently funded by NCI, CPRIT, the Susan G. Komen, METAvivor, and Mary Kay Ash Foundation.
Job Duties
- Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments using cell lines, organoids, and immunocompetent mouse tumor models
- Assist with managing mouse colonies and perform surgeries.
- Perform standard molecular and cellular biology techniques (cloning, qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, IHC)
- Maintain accurate, organized lab notes and contribute to data management and reagent records
- Contribute to manuscript preparation, figure assembly, and grant and fellowship applications
- Oversees the maintenance of lab equipment and environment, including inventory management
- Makes purchases in Jaggaer for the lab as well as contract routing and vendor negotiation for special equipment
- Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
- Help mentor graduate and undergraduate students and support a collaborative, rigorous lab culture
- Provides technical guidance, work direction and training to other lab members on areas of expertise.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or a related field.
- Two years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in basic science or a related field.
- Mouse handling is highly preferred.
Work Authorization Requirement:
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.
Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.
Baylor College of Medicine fosters diversity among its students, trainees, faculty and staff as a prerequisite to accomplishing our institutional mission, and setting standards for excellence in training healthcare providers and biomedical scientists, promoting scientific innovation, and providing patient-centered care. - Diversity, respect, and inclusiveness create an environment that is conducive to academic excellence, and strengthens our institution by increasing talent, encouraging creativity, and ensuring a broader perspective. - Diversity helps position Baylor to reduce disparities in health and healthcare access and to better address the needs of the community we serve. - Baylor is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding students, trainees, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds by providing a welcoming, supportive learning environment for all members of the Baylor community.
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