Research Technologist (Neuroscience -SOM)
We are seeking a Research Technologist who will Perform laboratory tasks and complete routine assays following common or established protocols and procedures.
Under the general supervision of a faculty investigator or laboratory member, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing transgenic fly and mosquito colonies, as well as performing routine laboratory management responsibilities. The candidate will also assist post-doctoral fellows and graduate students in the implementation of experiments related to insect and chemosensory neuroscience. The candidate will be trained by the faculty advisor, as well as by lab members.
General Focus of Research Group
The goal of the Potter laboratory is to understand how the insect brain receives, interprets, and responds to odors. The lab is interested in understanding at the neuronal level how odors regulate insect behaviors. The long-term aim of the group is to apply the research gained to better control insects that pose a threat to human health. The general approach of the lab towards achieving this goal is to develop and employ genetic methods that enable unprecedented control over neural circuits in both the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruitfly) and human vector Anopheles gambiae (mosquito). Additional information can be found at the Potter lab website: https://potterlab.johnshopkins.edu
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- The following duties will be expected after an introductory training period.
- Lab fly stock maintenance, which includes transferring and looking after ~1000 fly stocks every 4 weeks.
- Mosquito stock maintenance, which includes rearing mosquitoes and blood-feeding with mice.
- Making fly food each week (~500 vials)
- Purchasing of reagents and equipment as requested by faculty investigator or other lab members.
- Performing experiments and assisting others in lab as needed; this includes,
o molecular biology cloning of DNA plasmids (PCR, bacterial transformations)
o performing genetic fly crosses
o fly and mosquito brain dissections and immunohistochemistry
o confocal microscopy
- Keeping reagents, equipment, supplies in the lab stocked.
- Monthly tracking of consumables spending.
- Keeping lab spaces organized and functional, including coordinating with Facilities for regular maintenance
- Communicating with outside groups regarding purchasing or maintenance of the lab.
Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to exercise professional judgment.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/ graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Laboratory experience during coursework or as independent study.
- Some related post-undergraduate research experience is preferred but not essential.
- Experience working with insects is preferred but not essential.
Classified Title: Research Technologist
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY ($40,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F, 8:30-5:00
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Neuro Sci Neuroscience
Personnel area: School of Medicine