Houston Methodist Research Institute, Department of RNA Therapeutics and Cardiovascular Sciences

Position ID:Houston Methodist Research Institute-Department of RNA Therapeutics and Cardiovascular Sciences-RA [#21575]
Position Title: Research Assistant + Res Associate + Postdoc
Position Type:Other
Position Location:Houston, Texas 77030, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Cellular and Molecular Biology / Cellular and Molecular Biology
Appl Deadline:2022/09/30 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2022/04/05, finished 2023/04/01, listed until 2022/10/05)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed. ***

Three research positions in RNA molecular biology and RNA Therapeutics in the Center for RNA Therapeutics at the Houston Methodist Research Institute

The Kiss RNA Lab is an externally-funded (existing support from National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), and the American Heart Association (AHA) & past support from the American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) research group working on both basic science and translational research projects in the fields of RNA molecular Biology and RNA Therapeutics. We are based in the Houston Methodist Research Institute in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. We are seeking three team members to work in a lab at the nexus of RNA biochemistry and molecular biology and applying that knowledge to help develop RNA therapeutics focusing on cancer, infectious diseases, and other key areas.

Ideal candidates for all three positions will have prior RNA molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture experience (required for the two senior positions), with previous experience in RNA extraction and purification, in vitro transcription, western blotting, qPCR, and a working knowledge of translational control, and RNA processing steps being particularly useful. These positions will NOT involve work with animals, but such experience is an option through cross-training with collaborators.

Candidates will have the opportunity to do both basic science and translational research as they work in a fast-paced and collaborative research environment in the heart of the Texas Medical Center at the Houston Methodist Research Institute. They will learn new RNA molecular biology skills and use their skills to design and develop new candidate RNA therapeutics in the lab of Dr. Daniel Kiss https://kiss.hmailabs.org/. The Kiss RNA lab is part of the Houston Methodist Research Institute’s Center for RNA Therapeutics (https://www.houstonmethodist.org/for-health-professionals/department-programs/rna-therapeutics/) which aims to develop new RNA-based therapies to treat human diseases. Other projects focusing on the lab’s NIH and AHA-funded basic science research https://kiss.hmailabs.org/research/ are also available as a companion to the postdoc’s RNA therapeutics project(s).

Excellent organization, communication, critical thinking skills, the ability to work both independently and in a team-based environment, plus self-motivation are also prerequisites. Candidates will have the opportunity to learn and apply cutting edge methodologies to study how cytoplasmic capping modulates gene expression and also to help develop novel RNA therapies in the lab of Dr. Daniel Kiss.

The three positions are:

1. Research Associate I or Research Associate II: The successful candidate will be responsible for providing advanced technical research skills and establishing test methods and procedures under the direction of the principal investigator. Their duties will be as both a lab manager (ensuring compliance with safety and other protocols, equipment maintenance, ordering, lab support, training new staff, etc. ~25% effort) and as a researcher (~75% effort). Qualifications include either a PhD (both ranks) or a Master’s degree + several years of experience in a related field (Res Assoc I only).

2. Postdoctoral Fellow (open rank): This position is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to work in an RNA molecular biology lab that helps develop novel RNA therapeutics. We already have a number of RNA therapy candidates underway, but the postdoc will be encouraged to (and guided through the process of) developing and testing their own RNA therapy candidate using in vitro (and if successful moving to pre-clinical) studies. Prior RNA biochemistry and/or molecular biology experience is needed, with previous experience with Group I or Group II intron splicing being particularly useful. Qualifications include a PhD in a related field.

3. Research Assistant I or II: uses skills to provide technical research laboratory support in performing research experiments. Maintains records of data collected. Assists in the organization, tabulation and analysis of data under the general supervision of the laboratory manager or Principal Investigator. Qualifications include: either a Bachelor’s (RA-I) or a Master’s degree (RA-II) in a related field. A Bachelor’s degree + several years of experience is also suitable for an RA-II applicant.

The Kiss RNA Lab is committed to enhancing diversity in scientific research and has a strong history of hiring and training diverse team members. Candidates belonging to underrepresented groups, those with non-traditional career tracks, and those interested in eventually transitioning to industry positions are strongly encouraged to apply. Your training will be tailored to you with an individual development plan (IDP) which will focus on aspects of research relevant to your long-term career goals (including those away from the bench). For those that want to gain experience to eventually transition to an industry track, we can partner with Houston Methodist Hospital’s RNA Core to offer training in (& give you hands-on experience with) both GLP and cGMP RNA manufacturing.

Ideally, candidates would start between May and August, but an earlier/later start date will be accommodated for the best applicant. If interested, please include:

(a) a letter of interest, (b) curriculum vitae, (c) a PDF of a recent publication/preprint (if available/applicable), and (d) a list of three references with your application.

All three positions are full time, offer a competitive salary, including full benefits (including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and eligibility for quarterly bonuses), and applicants are eligible for relocation assistance and a signing bonus.

The positions are funded (by a combination of NIH, AHA, and philanthropic funds) for at least two years. If interested, please attach a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and list of three references with your application. In your letter of interest, please describe your research background, how your previous research qualifies you for this opening, your contribution to your publication(s) and your future interests and career goals.

Please email materials to: dlkiss@houstonmethodist.org.


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Contact: Daniel Kiss, (713) 363-9781 (fax)
Email: email address
Postal Mail:
Daniel L. Kiss, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences
Associate Research Member, Houston Methodist Cancer Center
Assistant Member, Houston Methodist Academic Institute
Houston Methodist Research
Web Page: https://kiss.hmailabs.org/