Summary

The department of Molecular and Human Genetics is looking for a Research Technician role. This technician will support the department goals, to identify therapeutic opportunities that may be applied to more than one neurological disorder.

The lab integrates computational and wet-lab approaches using a combination of experimental model systems that include Drosophila and mice, as well as neuronal primary cultures and iPSC-derived human neurons. Importantly, the lab has generated fruit fly (Drosophila) models for many neurological and neuromuscular disorders that recapitulate key neuropathological phenotypes observed in patients.

To sum up, the lab uses a multidisciplinary, cross-species approach for comparative analysis of modifier genes and pathogenic mechanisms.

This Research Technician II position will work in a team performing genetic screens for modifiers of neurodegeneration using Drosophila (fruit fly) models of disease. This involves working with a stereomicroscope to set up breeding schemes for multiple Drosophila strains and assessing neuronal dysfunction with the assistance of robotic equipment.

Job Duties

• Assists and conducts genetic screens using Drosophila disease models.
• Assists maintaning Drosophila strains.
• Assesses neuronal dysfunction using locomotor assays and operates robotic equipment.
• Analyzes data using statistical methods.
• Conducts assays to assess and quantify neurotoxic protein levels using immunoblotting techniques.
• Conducts histopathological analyses from Drosophila brain sections immunostained with specific antibodies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

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.