Research Technician - Vosshall Lab

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Primary Work Address: 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

The Vosshall lab at Rockefeller University is interested in the molecular neurobiology of mosquito host‑seeking behavior. Mosquitoes require a blood meal to complete egg development, and in carrying out this innate behavior, they spread dangerous infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and yellow fever. The lab has developed CRISPR/Cas9 genome‑editing in the Aedes aegypti mosquito with the goal of understanding how behaviors emerge from the integration of sensory input with internal physiological states.

More information about the lab’s work can be found by visiting https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Under the guidance of a senior lab member, this role will be involved in experiments related to mosquito behavior, sensory perception (chemosensation, mechanosensation), imaging techniques, and gene expression analysis, interfacing with students and postdocs in the lab. This is an excellent opportunity for a hardworking, self‑motivated professional looking for a robust 2+ year career experience before beginning graduate school or medical school.

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Hands‑on training to learn a variety of molecular neurobiology techniques.
• A close‑knit lab community where mentorship and growth are prioritized.
• Opportunities for professional development including the future potential to contribute to research publications and become involved with a variety of different projects based on your interests and drive.

• Mosquito rearing
• Sorting transgenic lines of larvae
• Injecting embryos with CRISPR/Cas9
• Conducting RNA FISH and IHC experiments
• Conducting feeding and behavioral assays
• Dissecting tissues and imaging tissues of interest
• Collecting literature for experiments and publications
• General lab operations support including picking up packages, dropping off mice, and helping to maintain a safe, clean, and orderly lab environment

• A bachelor's degree in the biological sciences is required.
• Previous experience with molecular biology or neurobiology is preferred, but not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail.
• Proactive and self‑motivated mindset with an eagerness to learn and grow
• Excellent computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Please include a cover letter detailing your interest in this position as part of your application.

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it…