Summary

The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research (CMMR) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is in search of an Assistant Laboratory Director. This role entails overseeing projects and supervising sample processing within the CMMR R&D pipeline, guided by the lab director. However, the ideal candidate should demonstrate the capability to plan, execute experiments, and analyze outcomes independently. Duties include offering skilled technical support for research and development endeavors, encompassing project scoping, data generation, analysis, scientific writing, and reporting. The focus lies on evaluating, implementing, optimizing, and analyzing new technologies pertinent to the CMMR. Additionally, the role involves organizing and refining the CMMR project management process, including establishing SOPs for information flow and personnel management. Furthermore, the incumbent will contribute to innovating and applying new technologies/discoveries within the CMMR. We seek candidates adept at multitasking, problem-solving, and possessing strong leadership and communication skills. Experience with compliance standards such as CAP/CLI is preferred.

Job Duties

• Assess available machine and reagent options for microbiome studies.
• Develop and execute experiments to evaluate new technologies for integration into existing CMMR pipelines.
• Complete documentation, evaluation, analysis, and communicate results to CMMR staff.
• Generate status reports, present data, and prepare manuscripts.
• Generate and maintain project management process SOPs.
• Potentially train on protocols for next-generation sequencing platforms: Illumina MiSeq, NovaSeq, and Oxford Nanopore system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field.
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology or related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, research design, troubleshooting, and evaluation of new techniques and procedures.
• Experience in statistical analysis and/or genomic analysis of microbial community data.
• Two years of GxP regulated laboratory experience.
• Expertise in molecular biology and microbiology methods and techniques.
• Broad familiarity with applications related to RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of interpreting and summarizing scientific results clearly and accurately.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences.
• Comfortable documenting experimental procedures and analyzing detailed assay procedures and test results.
• Skilled in troubleshooting problematic results.