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. Zong in the Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. 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, we aim to characterize the gene expression profile of this neuron and to generate gene expression profile atlases of the locust nervous system using cutting edge molecular biology techniques. The methods that will be used are established but require a broad range of skills. The position is therefore best suited for a committed and inspired individual, for example a recent college graduate that is looking for experience before applying for graduate school in a Neuroscience or Genetics program.

Job Duties

• Assists with ongoing behavioral experimental assays.
• Carries out animal dissections for electrophysiological experiments.
• Carries out molecular cloning and sequencing procedures, that includes PCR and gel electrophoresis assays.
• Takes care of animal husbandry.
• Carries out micro-injections of animal eggs.
• Collects, validates, analyzes data, and documents the results of experiments.
• 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 and cloning.
• Experience in RNA or DNA sequencing.
• Experience with Drosophila transgenesis is a plus.
• Highly motivated and has willingness to work hard and learn new techniques.