Assistant Researcher

Position Overview

The Walters Lab () is seeking a self‑motivated, detail-oriented biologist to join our research program investigating aging and reproductive biology in lepidopteran insects (moths and butterflies), which is part of a larger research consortium studying aging across animals (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). This position will be directly supervised by PI Walters, with the primary responsibility being to provide technical support to PI Walters and other senior lab members in pursuit of our research agenda.

Such research support responsibilities include rearing and maintenance of insect stocks under various experimental conditions, dissecting and collecting tissues for genomic analysis, and performing a range of molecular biology protocols to generate relevant samples and data (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, DNA damage assays). Further tasks and responsibilities may include performing cytogenetic, microscopy, or transgenic experiments, bioinformatic data analysis, ordering supplies/reagents, updating/maintaining protocol documentation and public websites, organizing the lab environment, and participation in developing and deploying content for public science outreach/education.

• Transfer and handling of live insects (primarily moths and butterflies)
• Preparing insect diet
• Collecting insect eggs from cultures
• Washing dishes and insect cages
• Caretaking of insect host plants (planting, watering, trimming)

• Implementing experimental protocols for aging and mating experiments with insects
• Dissection, tissue collection, and sample preparation
• Record keeping, data entry and basic analysis

• Extracting nucleic acids
• PCR and gel electrophoresis
• Preparation of samples on slides

• Ordering research supplies and reagents
• Writing and revising protocols and operating procedures
• Updating the lab website and wiki

• Perform statistical and bioinformatic data analyses
• Develop and present content for community scientific outreach

• High school diploma/GED and four years of related experience OR Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Entomology, Genetics, or a related field

• Experience rearing insects and maintaining insect cultures in a research setting.
• Experience performing wet‑lab molecular biology procedures (e.g. nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis).
• Knowledge of computer programming and bioinformatic methodologies relating to genomics, particularly using Linux, R, and/or Python.

• Online application form
• Resume or CV
• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• List of three professional references

James Walters, jrwalters,

42,000 – 46,000

Monday, March 2, 2026

Monday, March 23, 2026