SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Function: The lab studies the expression and function of genes involved in programmed cell death (Apoptosis), survival signaling and compensatory proliferation in Drosophila. Individual must be able to participate in all laboratory activities.

Scope:  Responsible for performing laboratory duties and experiments in accordance with instructions received from the supervisor. A detailed description is given below.

Fly husbandry

• Maintaining stock collection (transfer every 4 weeks)
• Keeping electronic copy of stock collection (FileMaker, Excel worksheet) up-to-date
• Fly trash disposal
• Ordering fly food from fly kitchen (weekly)
• Replace labels on vials (once a year)
• Sending out fly stocks and reagents to other researchers

Routine laboratory maintenance

• Overseeing laboratory equipment
• Organization of fridges and freezers
• Maintaining confocal microscope
• Training new users for use of confocal microscope
• Ordering reagents from vendors when needed
• Preparing solutions for general use (10x PBS, 10x TAE, etc.)
• Organization of the antibody collection
• Maintaining time sheet
• Additional duties on request

Experimentation

• Assist PI, postdocs or students in scientific projects
• Dissection of imaginal discs and other tissues
• Perform immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, BrdU, in-situ hybridization
• Obtaining data at the confocal microscope (after proper training)
• Participation in mutagenesis screens, RNAi screens
• Perform basic molecular biology experimental procedures including, but not limited to: PCR, DNA cloning, mini- and maxi-preps, Southern and Northern blot hybridization, Western blotting, and occasional library screening.
• Should be able to use various lab instruments correctly.
• Basic computer skills are needed (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Filemaker, Internet browser, etc.).
• Should speak, hear, write and read English well, with excellent comprehension. Must be open and willing to ask questions of faculty, postdoctoral fellows and other lab workers in seeking answers to problems, etc.
• Data recording and record keeping

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts in-depth analysis of research experiments
• Performs complex laboratory experiments
• Interprets data, forms conclusion, and decides on and plans next experiments to be done with a high degree of independence
• Compiles and analyzes data and performs computations using image analysis software, spreadsheets, graphing, and curve fitting software
• May modify protocols and be responsible for a single, independent research project
• Assists in writing the text of scientific publications and grants. Reviews literature
• Trains new laboratory personnel, students, and collaborators
• Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment
• Complies with all safety and infection control standards
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

May functionally supervise Lab Technicians and Aides

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Wet chemistry laboratory, and may require appropriate contact with biohazards, radionuclides, toxins, animals, and human specimens.