Summary

The Research Assistant will provide higher level chemical and procedural support for experimental services provided by the BCM zebrafish core, including molecular biology and experiments using zebrafish. Will perform experiments using zebrafish, document results of experiments, and keep track of experiments and their progress for core directors and core users. 

Job Duties

• Use advanced biochemistry, microscopy, and manipulative procedures on delicate tissue samples 
• Carry out complex independent experimental work (approximately 40% of the time):
  • zebrafish embryo whole mount in situ hybridization
  • in vitro fertilization and cryopreservation of sperm samples
  • molecular assays including recombinant DNA cloning and PCR
  • tissue histology and microscopy
  • data analysis and generating figures
• Plan and organize administrative operations of the laboratory (40% of the time):
  • oversee lab inventory and supplies
  • maintain lab stock solutions
  • establish procedures for use of laboratory equipment including maintenance and repair
• Perform zebrafish core colony maintenance (20% of the time):
  • maintain and propagate zebrafish strains
  • collect embryos for experiments
  • perform fin clips and genotyping
• Lift and move 15 pound objects (zebrafish tanks full of water)
• Work in a 28 degree Celsius room with high humidity
• Work with, handle, and euthanize zebrafish; will train to perform these tasks
• Perform lab skills such as titrating chemicals and preparing laboratory solutions, work proficiently with lab tools and equipment such as pipettes, PCR machines, micro-injection rigs, etc

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or a related field.
• Two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum two years' experience working in a biology lab or biomedical research wet lab, classes (eg undergraduate biology laboratory) do not count toward this requirement.
• Experience performing PCR, nucleic acid purification, and making/diluting laboratory solutions.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience handling and working with zebrafish, experience with CRISPR mutagenesis, experience cloning plasmid DNA ((using Gateway recombination, Gibson assembly or similar), experience with histology and imaging, proficiency with FileMaker database software.
• Experience working with zebrafish is preferred but not required; willing to train.