Summary

The NIH-funded translational neurogenetics laboratory of Dr. Hsiao-Tuan Chao at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute affiliated with Texas Children’s Hospital is recruiting a motivated candidate to join a highly collaborative team to discover the genetic causes of childhood neurological disorders (epilepsy, autism, ADHD, and cognitive impairments) and identify therapeutic interventions for rare and common neurologic disorders. The laboratory focuses on understanding neural circuit development and function, and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to brain disorders such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autism. The lab is looking for a motivated research technician to assist with fruit fly and mouse studies, neurohistology, behavioral, and human subject studies. The applicant be able to work independently and within a team to process samples and collect data. Applicant be flexible and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner, be good at multi-tasking, problem-solving, and have strong communication skills.

For more information: https://www.bcm.edu/research/faculty-labs/hsiao-tuan-chao-lab

Job Duties

• Performs fruit fly and/or mouse colony maintenance.
• Performs routine technical laboratory and specialized procedures.
• Conducts behavioral studies (rodent and/or fruit fly assays) and/or neuropsychological studies (human subjects research).
• Troubleshoots problematic results, maintains and operates equipment, maintains work area.
• Interviews and recruits participants for studies.
• Collects participant information, conducts testing procedures and collects data. 
• Collects, processes, ships, and maintains paperwork for biological specimens.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes data.
• Retrieves and submits test results to appropriate parties.
• Maintains databases, records, and regulatory documents for studies.
• Maintains and organizes inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Generates data reports to determine feasibility.
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information.

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

• Prior laboratory experience handling mice (breeding, weaning and maintaining lines, tail DNA prep), fruit flies, or human subjects research
• At least one year of work experience in a basic science or human subjects research laboratory.
• Works independently and be a good team player.
• Be flexible with change, good at multi-tasking, problem-solving, and has strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficient in Excel spreadsheets and experience in database management.
• Bilingual (Spanish) will be a plus.