Research Technician

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Job Summary

The Hay Lab is interested in a variety of topics. Many projects can be thought of as involving, in some sense, the study of, and/or engineering the composition or fate of populations. At the subcellular level, we are interested in mitochondrial genomes, why mutant versions accumulate, how quality control occurs to eliminate defective mitochondrial genomes, why quality control often fails (during aging), and the development of methods for enhancing it. At the cellular level, we are interested in cell death and neurodegeneration. At the level of individual organisms, we are interested in methods for inducing long-term infertility using gene therapy. At the level of populations of organisms, we are interested in developing technologies for modifying the genetic composition or fate of wild populations, ranging from prokaryotes to plants, insects, and mammals, using gene drive.

Common activities the successful candidate may contribute to include recombinant DNA cloning, the creation of transgenic organisms, cell culture, Drosophila genetics, plant genetics (Arabidopsis and invasive weeds), RNA and DNA sequencing, qPCR, mouse husbandry and reproductive biology, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Primary work will be with others but may also involve independent research. Publications outlining these interests can be found on our website: https://www.haylab.caltech.edu.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform synthesis and cloning of multi-part constructs for use in cell culture and transgenesis.
• Perform Drosophila or plant genetics experiments using transgenic organisms and mutants.
• Perform qPCR and other forms of quantitative analysis of mitochondrial DNA of various genotypes.
• Perform cell culture experiments using transient and stably transfected cells. Cell culture experiments may include immunostaining, imaging, qPCR, and mRNA transfections.
• Mouse husbandry and reproduction assays.
• Keep detailed records of experimental research.
• Other laboratory duties, such as ordering as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, bioengineering, or related field.
• Some experience in molecular biology and/or genetics.
• Wet lab experience.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to organize your own time and effort across multiple projects.
• Excellent attention to detail, documentation, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some prior work experience as a lab technician or equivalent work experience.
• Some experience with molecular techniques, genetics, cell culture, biochemistry, or other biological research activities.

Required Documents

• Resume