Research Technician in Molecular and Cellular Biology – Guttman Lab

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Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and dependable individual with experience in molecular biology to join our integrative computational and experimental team in characterizing nuclear structure and architecture as it influences gene expression and functional outcomes at the cellular level, in many instances focusing on the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs. Specifically, this person will help to optimize methods and generate data for understanding interactions between RNA, DNA, and proteins in mammalian cells. This work will include experiments to characterize RNA-protein interactions and DNA-protein interactions involving cell culture, cell line engineering using CRISPR methods, cloning tasks, library generation for high-throughput sequencing, and mass spectrometry.

The candidate will work closely with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and staff members in the lab to apply various technologies in specific biological applications. The candidate will adapt easily to changing needs and priorities of a fast-paced research environment, facilitate project completion, address technical issues as they arise, and will summarize and present results to the research group. Training in established techniques will be provided, but the work will require significant independence of day-to-day operations to achieve the overall goals of the project.

Essential Job Duties

With close guidance from senior members of the lab and in accordance with guidelines set forth for a particular task, the successful candidate will design and independently perform bench level experiments and small projects that support the overall research objective of an integrative computational and experimental lab in a fast paced and dynamic environment

Job tasks will include, but are not limited to, maintaining mouse embryonic stem cells including media and reagent preparation, cloning expression constructs and Cas9/CRISPR-based targeting constructs followed by transfecting validated plasmids into mouse embryonic stem cell lines; screening cell lines to identify successfully targeted clones; measuring functions of lines derived from these transfections. Functional assays will include, but are not limited to, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, RNA Antisense Purification, DNA and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, flow cytometry, and RNA immunoprecipitation. In addition, techniques including, but not limited to, qPCR, immunostaining, fluorescent microscopy, and functional readouts will be required for quality control assessment.

The candidate will interact directly with senior members of the research team and lab head to ensure proper experimental design, analysis, and technical concerns related to the project. The candidate will adapt easily to changing needs and priorities, facilitate project completion, provide lab support and organizational needs, address technical problems, and summarize and present results. Training will be provided as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required.
• Experience in a research laboratory (not including a class setting)
• Solid technical knowledge of molecular cloning, cell biology techniques, and mammalian tissue culture
• Experience related to mammalian tissue culture.
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with molecular biological methods and the operation of standard lab equipment required.
• Excellent organization, time management, and project management skills
• Ability to record and report results with clarity.
• Must be detail-oriented and perform precise work in the laboratory.
• Persistence and willingness to troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Motivation to learn and master new methods and techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff and with external contacts in a fast-paced environment required.
• Ability to handle a variety of tasks simultaneously required.
• Must possess a high level of initiative and the ability to work with little supervision.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Direct laboratory experience involving molecular cloning, synthetic biology, or cell biology a plus.
• Broad knowledge of cell biology, cloning, gene synthesis, and/or gene targeting approaches a strong plus.
• Basic knowledge of sequence analysis tools such as BLAST, primer3, UCSC genome browser, and other applications
• Basic familiarity with cellular transfection and/or gene perturbation

 Required Documents

• Resume 
• Cover Letter