Summary

The Behavioral Plasticity Research Institute (BPRI) is a NSF Biological Integration Institute focused on understanding how behavioral plasticity in grasshoppers (i.e., locust phase polyphenism) leads to locust plagues and its ecological implications. The BPRI has a Research Technician (RT) position available in the laboratories of Dr. Gabbiani and Dr. Dierick in the Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. The vision of the BPRI is predicated on integration through collaboration. We recognize the scientific and societal impacts are maximized when groups of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences come together to work towards shared goals and the common good. This philosophy will inform all BPRI activities. The Research Technician will participate in a project focused on characterizing the electrophysiological properties of an identified neuron involved in collision avoidance behavior across several locust and grasshopper species. Additionally, the aim is to characterize the gene expression profile of this neuron and to generate transgenic grasshoppers using cutting edge molecular biology techniques. The methods that will be used established but require a broad range of skills. The position is therefore best suited for a committed and inspired person, for example a recent college graduate that is looking for experience before applying for graduate school in a Neuroscience or Genetics program. 

For more information: https://glab.research.bcm.edu/wp/

Job Duties

• Assists with ongoing behavioral experimental assays.
• Carries out animal dissections for electrophysiological experiments.
• Collects, validates, analyzes data, and documents the results of experiments.
• Carries out molecular cloning procedures, including PCR and gel electrophoresis assays.
• Takes care of animal husbandry.
• Carries out micro-injections of animal eggs.
• Assists with cleaning and maintaining the laboratory area in a neat orderly condition.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in carrying out dissections under a stereomicroscope and intracellular electrophysiological recordings are desirable.
• Experience in qRT-PCR, cloning RNA or DNA sequencing and Drosophila transgenesis is a plus.
• Be highly motivated and has willingness to work hard and learn new techniques.