Current Openings
Please Note: These searches are INACTIVE. We have already identified our preferred candidates and are in the hiring process.
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) & more support coming from CEPI) 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 another team member 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. 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).
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.
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 possible positions are:
- Research Associate I or II: The Research Associate I or II will be responsible for providing advanced technical research skills and establishing test methods and procedures under the direction of Department Chairperson or Scientist (Faculty). Their duties will be as a researcher focusing on existing RNA therapy projects (~75-80% effort) and also to design and implement a novel RNA therapy project of their own design ~20-25% effort). Ideal candidates will have a strong background in designing, evaluating, customizing, and purifying recombinant proteins (preferably with proteins related to aspects of RNA metabolism). Prior RNA molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture experience and previous experience with RNA extraction and purification, in vitro transcription, western blotting, qPCR, and RNA processing steps would all be useful as well. This position will not involve work with animals, but candidates can get/build animal experience via our lab’s collaborators if they desire. Formal leadership training and training in cGMP RNA manufacturing are also possible if the applicant wishes to pursue them.
Ideally, the Research Associate would start before the end of 2022, but a later start date will be accommodated for the best applicant.
HM.org Link // RNA Society Listing
- 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.
HM.org Link // RNA Society Listing