Job Category: Fulltime Term Exempt Overtime Eligible: Overtime Eligible Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based
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Job Summary
This is a scientific Research Technician role with mentorship from a postdoctoral expert in Caulerpa biology, as well as from a senior investigator of Arabidopsis molecular genetics (Prof. Elliot Meyerowitz). The successful candidate will work as a part of a small team to pioneer molecular genetics of Caulerpa, the world's largest single-celled organism. Caulerpa grows, regenerates, and differentiates without using conventional molecular-genetic mechanisms such as stem cells, cell fate decisions, or conventional mitosis. Laboratory duties include performing in situ hybridizations, cloning genes, making constructs, performing transformations, and taking steps to verify transformation, including Western Blot analysis, confocal microscope and fluorescence lifetime imaging, as well as RT-PCR. Remote work is not available for this role. The position will have a maximum tenure of three years.
Essential Job Duties
At a laboratory bench, extract RNA, work with RNA, and maintain a clean, RNase-free environment on the bench.
Clone genes, promoters, terminators, and antibiotic resistance genes. Design, codon-optimize, and build over-expression constructs using Gibson assembly, Golden-gate assembly, and traditional cloning methods (i.e., using restriction enzymes).
Perform site-directed mutagenesis when unwanted mutations are detected in your constructs.
Perform transformations of delicate algal specimens using biolistics, carbon nanotubes, injections, or bacterial vectors, and screen for transformants at single micron resolution using confocal microscropy and FLIM microscopy.
Use reverse transcriptase PCR and Western Blot to check for transformation success.
Perform library preparation.
Make stocks and solutions, including artificial seawater.
Maintain colonies of algae, and responsibly dispose of algal waste.
Basic Qualifications
Four-year Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
Previous biological wet laboratory experience with molecular biology training.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous RNA work and previous success with in situ hybridization.
The ability to build sequencing libraries.
Previous experience with algal genetics and algal molecular biology.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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