Research Assistant II

Marine Biological Laboratory; Falmouth (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rosenthal lab at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Falmouth, MA has an opening for a full-time Research Assistant II (up to 40 hrs per week). The position is shared between two projects, split 50/50 between Dr. Rosenthal and Dr.

Diaz Quiroz, with a two-year initial appointment and potential extension based on performance. This role offers training across molecular, genetic and histological methods in emerging model organisms including RNA editing regulation and limb regeneration.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a BS degree in biology or equivalent and prior experience in a research lab.
• Significant experience in molecular biology, histology or animal husbandry is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Support genetic studies on squid (Euprymna berryi) and amphipods (Parhyale hawaiiensis) by generating CRISPR knockouts.
• Perform embryo microinjection with CRISPR-Cas9 and other reagents to produce genetically modified animals.
• Genotype and maintain injected animals to establish defined lines.
• Characterize the role of neuropeptides during limb regeneration in axolotls and mice; process and section tissues.
• Carry out immunostaining and/or in situ hybridization on tissue sections to examine gene expression in regenerating tissues.

Skills

Genetic studies

Lab maintenance

Record-keeping

Genotyping

Team collaboration

Education

BS in biology

Tools

CRISPR-Cas9

Embryo microinjection

PCR

Cryosectioning

Immunostaining

In situ hybridization

Job description

The Rosenthal lab at the MBL has an opening for a full-time Research Assistant II (up to 40 hrs per week). This is a shared appointment, with time split equally (50/50) between two projects, one under the direction of Dr. Rosenthal and the other under the direction of Dr. Diaz Quiroz. The initial appointment is for two years, and an extension of up to 1 year is possible based on job performance. This position is an excellent opportunity for those interested in applying cutting-edge molecular, genetic and histological approaches to emerging model organisms, and offers broad training across research programs such as the environmental regulation of RNA editing, and the neural control of limb regeneration.

Responsibilities – Rosenthal Project (50%)

For this project, the successful candidate will support genetic studies on both squid and amphipods. For the squid studies, this will involve generating CRISPR knockouts of genes related to RNA editing in Euprymna berryi. For the amphipod studies, this will involve generating CRISPR knockouts of genes related to the circatidal clock in Parhyale hawaiiensis.

Duties will include:

• Husbandry, care and maintenance of Parhyale cultures.
• Collection and microinjection of embryos with CRISPR-Cas9 and other reagents to produce genetically modified animals.
• Genotyping, crossing and maintenance of injected animals to establish defined lines.

In the Diaz Quiroz Lab, the successful candidate will help characterize the role of neuropeptides during limb regeneration in axolotls and mice. Duties will include:

• Processing and sectioning of tissue samples from regenerating limbs.
• Carrying out immunostainings and/or in situ hybridizations on tissue sections to examine gene expression in regenerating tissues

General responsibilities

Duties will also include the maintenance of equipment and reagent stocks. The successful candidate will be detail oriented and keep meticulous records of their work. They will work collaboratively with members of the Rosenthal lab and participate in the weekly lab meetings.

Applicants must have a BS degree in biology or an equivalent area and have prior experience working in a research lab. Candidates with significant experience in molecular biology, histology or animal husbandry are encouraged to apply.

• Embryo microinjection (e.g., with CRISPR-Cas systems)
• PCR and basic molecular biology
• Cryosectioning of tissue samples
• Slide staining, including immunostaining and in situ hybridization

Required documents

• Resume/CV
• Applicants within three years of receiving their undergraduate degree, please furnish a transcript of undergraduate grades

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