The Center for Drug Discovery ( https://www.bcm.edu/research/centers/drug-discovery) is a strategic research center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. The lab is seeking a highly self-motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and characterize dTAG knock-in (dTAG-KI) mouse models for biomedical and pharmacological research as part of an NIH R01-funded project. The Postdoctoral Associate will use CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology, molecular biology techniques, and animal experimentation to investigate the regulation and function of drug metabolizing enzyme in vivo. It provides a highly reliable tool for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) studies to understand the impact of a specific drug-metabolizing enzyme deficiency on drug efficacy and safety by switching the function completely on or off using dTAG molecules. The position offers an opportunity to gain advanced training in genome engineering, conditional protein degradation, animal-model development, and translational pharmacology.

Baylor College of Medicine typically follows similar to the NIH stipulated stipend guidelines for Postdoctoral Associates.

Job Duties

• Collaborates with Genetically Engineered Rodent Models Core at Baylor for the design and optimization of CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing strategies to create and characterize dTAG-KI mouse models.
• Collects blood, tissues, and other biological samples at designated time points.
• Evaluates target-protein expression and degradation using Western blotting and related molecular biology methods.
• Performs animal dosing and experimental treatments through appropriate administration routes.
• Performs routine mouse colony management that includes breeding, weaning, identification, and recordkeeping.
• Conducts molecular characterization and pharmacological studies (DMPK studies).
• Analyzes experimental data, maintains accurate research records, and prepares figures, reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience with mouse breeding and colony management.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, particularly Western blotting.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing or genetically engineered mouse models.
• Familiarity with inducible protein-degradation systems, including dTAG technology.
• Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and scientific communication skills.