PennsylvaniaStateU.ResTech.GeneticsSymbiosis

The Borden stein Laboratory at Penn State University's Departments of Biology and Entomology and the One Health Microbiome Center seeksa full-time Research Technologist in the Life Sciences (Advanced Professional) field. This role involves advancing research on the molecular biology and evolutionary ecology of a widespread symbiosisbetween a lysogenic phage, Wolbachia bacteria (found in the reproductivetissues), and Drosophila melanogaster. The ideal candidate will design,implement, support, analyze, and report using gene-to-organismalapproaches to dissect a male lethality trait.

This position will focuson various techniques such as fly rearing, transgenic expression,genetic editing, fitness assays, reproductive tissue dissections,molecular biology, fluorescent and electron microscopy, and collaborativediscovery. The position is funded for 12 months from the date of hire.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing the following:
1. A cover letter summarizing relevant experience and reasons forinterest in the job. 2. A CV that includes contact information forat least three references (name, position, telephone number, and email address). 3. Full-length (all pages) and first-authored works of researchspanning papers, reports, posters, and presentations.

Application website: website:  INFO:

The successful candidate will have priority responsibilities in the following areas:

- Experimental design, implementation, analysis, time management, and reporting
- Preparation and adherence to new scientific protocols,specimen evaluation, and biostatistics
- Coauthorship on scientificpapers, grants, presentations, and summary reports
- Contribution to research methods, solutions, and technical approaches for problem-solving
- Data collection, data analysis, statistics, and visualizations
-Management of trainees for molecular biology skills, biosafety measures,lab policies, equipment, proper record-keeping, organismal maintenance,and performance reviews
-Conduct various experimental tasks, includinginsect handling, tissue dissections, biological marker staining,fluorescent microscopy, microinjections, and genotyping and quantifyinginsect and symbiont cells using PCR and qPCR
-Daily manage and maintain laboratory insect colonies, handling hundreds to thousands of insectsdaily
-Troubleshoot emergencies, answer day-to-day questions from labmembers, and manage laboratory schedules
-Assist lab management and participate in ongoing entomology, microbiology, and molecular biologyexperiments as assigned
-Maintain a welcoming, safe, and professional environment that aligns with lab expectations.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY:

-Requires a Bachelor's degree or higher, plus three or more years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
-Essential skills include problem-solving, interpersonal,organizational, communication, and documentation
-Successful candidates should be able to work effectively in a team, demonstrating genuine appreciation for working, leading, and managing diverse audiences.