Summary

A full-time technician position is available in the Jankowsky Lab at the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Neuroscience.  The Jankowsky laboratory studies neurodegenerative diseases that includes Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia using genetically altered mouse models to understand the cause of disease and test new treatments. The lab is looking for a smart and dedicated research technician to assist with animal management and general lab duties. Responsibilities of the technician position are split between the laboratory and the mouse room.  Laboratory responsibilities includes PCR genotyping, tissue harvest, supply maintenance, and general laboratory organization.  Vivarium responsibilities include breeding, weaning, toe biopsies, record keeping, and communication with vivarium staff. The technician will have excellent organizational skills and a basic understanding of neuroscience; in return, the lab will provide training in all of the required techniques and offer a supportive working environment.

To learn more about the Joanna Jankowsky Lab, please visit:  https://www.bcm.edu/research/labs-and-centers/faculty-labs/joanna-jankowsky-lab 

Job Duties

• Harvests and processes brain tissue from experimental animals for histology or immunostaining.
• Assists with ongoing experimental work such as data analysis, tissue histology, or other tasks as needed.
• Performs mouse husbandry including breeding, weaning, euthanasia as needed to maintain multiple mouse strains.
• Coordinates with lab members to match animal production to experimental needs.
• Organizes and performs weekly toe biopsies to obtain material for genotyping.
• Conducts weekly PCR genotyping of offspring from the lab production colony.
• Maintains accurate biopsy, breeding, and genotyping records for the laboratory.
• Interfaces with vivarium staff to ensure special care requirements are met.
• Conducts lab management, that includes inventory, ordering (Fastcard, Punchout, and POs), and receiving, and equipment upkeep. 

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 handling lab mice or rats and working with genetically engineered lines. 
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques such as PCR. 
• Good organizational skills, excellent record keeping, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with others.