Summary

A technician position is available in Drs. Chunmei Wang/Yong Xu’s laboratory at Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston). The Wang/Xu group has been using Cre-loxP/Flp-frt or CRISPR strategy to manipulate genes of interest and use chemogenetics/optogenetics strategy to manipulate neuronal activities in specific neuron populations in specific time window in adult mice. In combination with photometry, electrophysiology and neurotracing approaches, the Wang/Xu group explores the functions of hypothalamic neurons in energy and glucose balance under different physiological conditions. The Wang/Xu lab is looking for a Research Technician I to conduct basic research. The Research Technician will perform routine laboratory procedures according to the laboratory protocols, that includes but not limited to mouse husbandry, genotyping PCR, mouse colony maintenance, maintenance of adequate research records, surgery assistance, physiological experiments and lab routines. The Research Technician will receive general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new assignments.

Job Duties

• Performs mouse husbandry work.
• Performs genotyping (DNA extraction and PCR reactions).
• Assists mouse surgeries and biomedical experiments.
• Implements specialized feeding protocols.
• Administers and records glucose intolerance tests on mice.
• Records animal weight and mass measurements in accordance with protocols.
• Performs other experiments as assigned.
• Orders laboratory supplies and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Two years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with animal model(s) is a plus.