Summary

Dr. Blair Benham-Pyle is seeking a research technician to help develop research projects and assist in the organization of their laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine in the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (STaR) Center and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. The Benham-Pyle laboratory leverages the remarkable regenerative capacity of the planarian flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea to study stem cells, aging, regeneration, and cancer prevention. The  lab commonly uses high throughput RNAi screens, in situ hybridization, and advanced fluorescent microscopy to uncover novel mechanisms regulating tissue growth. The technician will help maintain and develop the culture of our new research group, so strong organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills, plus an enthusiasm for learning and regeneration are essential. Applicants with experience in aquatic animal husbandry, molecular biology, and/or whole-mount in situ hybridization are particularly encouraged to apply, but we are happy to provide training in required laboratory skills.

Job Duties

• Assists on projects by generating and testing molecular reagents, as well as designing and executing  experiments with the guidance of a bench mentor (in situ hybridization, RNAi functional testing).
• Executes high-throughput planarian RNAi screens, build phenotype database, and score phenotypes.
• Helps maintain the planarian aquatics colony.
• Assists in equipment purchases and manages equipment upkeep.
• Manages laboratory consumables, that includes maintaining accurate inventory lists of lab supplies and ordering new supplies when needed.
• Participates in group meetings to discuss scientific findings and lab business.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• Experience Required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PCR amplification/molecular biology.
• Experience with whole-mount fluorescent in situ hybridization.
• Experience with histology or tissue sectioning.
• Experience with organismal biology.