Research Technician II
Job Title: Research Technician II
Division: Molecular and Human Genetics
Institute: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Summary
The Bellen lab is looking for a full-time technician to work on projects related to rare diseases, neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s Disease under the supervision of Dr. Lindsey Goodman. This technician will primarily study a novel, rare disease gene, TNPO2, that was recently discovered by the lab. The goals of the work are to understand how mutations in this gene cause neurodevelopmental disease in patients and to highlight potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. The project involves the development of new models to study this disease using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) and tissue culture. The technician will generate fly reagents, perform behavioral studies in flies, and perform cellular/molecular studies in flies and cultured cells.
An individual who is detail-oriented, organized, and has strong communication skills is highly desired. The lab has extensive knowledge and experience to help train this technician so s/he can become independent within the first 6 months. While all interested applicants are welcome, this is a valuable opportunity for an individual who is interested in gaining research experience prior to continuing their education.
Job Duties
- Generate transgenic fly lines to study human disease
- Set up fly crosses for experiments and collect samples for cellular/molecular studies
- Assist with and perform characterization of generated transgenic lines
- Assist with and perform basic immunofluorescence and histological techniques
- Assist with and perform basic cellular/molecular studies (e.g. WB, qPCR)
- Collect, document, and analyze research data
- Communicate research results in one-on-one meetings and group presentations
- Maintain electronic records that includes experiment design, data, and observations
- Maintain fly stocks
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
- No Experience required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to biology (e.g. genetics, neuroscience, development)
- Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Good listening and communication skills
- A high attention to detail when conducting experiments and recording data
- Self-motivated