Summary

The Department of Pediatrics Section of Tropical Medicine seeks a highly motivated Research Technician I. The purpose of the position is to conduct responsible research work in bacteriology and vector-borne diseases. The project will primarily focus on studying vector-pathogen interactions in the Ornithodoros turicata - Borrelia turicatae system and understanding mechanisms of transovarial transmition of spirochetes by ticks.  Additional focus will be on developing a new in vivo model to propagate and study the life cycle of Relapsing Fever Borrelia.

Job Duties

• Performs laboratory work that includes but not limited to Western Immunoblotting, DNA extraction,  and PCR analysis.
• Performs laboratory work in bacteriology that includes infectious work with in vitro and in vivo models.
• Selects and performs appropriate research procedures.
• Ensures quality control of laboratory procedures that includes test validations.
• Oversees the maintenance of lab equipment and environment.
• Works on data entry, cleaning, and analysis. 
• Performs additional routine laboratory procedures to assist in the lab's research.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date, organized, and legible lab notebook that records all data according to methods requested.
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format.
• Analyzes results of experiments and reports to principal investigators.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Two years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• One year of relevant experience.