Research Technician - Genetic Engineering

Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is seeking a Research Technician to support the Hall Lab’s work on diverse emerging model organisms, with emphasis on flatworms. You will assist with maintaining colonies, performing cloning, and contributing to genetic perturbations.

Ideal candidates are curious, resilient, and detail-oriented, capable of independent work and integrating feedback to improve experimental workflows.

Qualifications

• BS in a relevant field; Master’s encouraged.
• 3+ years of laboratory experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology and genetics techniques.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand emerging model invertebrates, esp. flatworms.
• Conduct molecular cloning supporting transgenesis and gene editing strategies.
• Characterize regeneration, life history traits, and phenotype variation.
• Document protocols, records, and lab organization meticulously.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genetics

CRISPR/RNAi

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree encouraged

Tools

Geneious

Benchling

SnapGene

Job description

Are you fascinated by the bizarre world of small, wiggly, often regenerative invertebrates? The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is seeking a Research Technician to join the Hall Lab.

Our lab is motivated by the simple premise that we shouldn’t be limited to studying biology only in established “model” organisms. We are developing a suite of molecular and imaging tools to enable genetic engineering in diverse emerging model organisms, with the goal of understanding how stem cells support regeneration across the tree of life.

The selected candidate will work closely with the PI to support the lab’s research efforts by:

• Developing and refining techniques to maintain and expand an array of emerging model invertebrates (with a strong emphasis on flatworms).
• Contributing to molecular cloning that support transgenesis and gene editing strategy development.
• Performing experiments to characterize regeneration, life history traits, and phenotype variation across species.
• Maintaining thorough documentation (protocols, experimental records, colony/line tracking) and contributing to lab organization and best practices.

The ideal candidate is curious, creative, and resilient in the face of experimental setbacks. They work independently when needed, communicate clearly, and consistently incorporate feedback to improve.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Animal husbandry to maintain several species of emerging model flatworms and related invertebrates.
• Working with the Invertebrate Culture Facility to develop and implement more automated, standardized husbandry workflows.
• Characterizing life-cycle traits and regenerative capabilities across diverse flatworm species (including phenotyping with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, and performing genetic perturbations with CRISPR and RNAi).
• Performing molecular cloning using techniques such as bacterial transformation, minipreps, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction digestion, Golden Gate assembly, and Gibson assembly.

What We Offer

• Close mentorship and support to help you meet your scientific and professional goals.
• The opportunity to work with unusual and exciting emerging model organisms in the field of regenerative biology.
• The opportunity to work closely with our fantastic technology centers while gaining important leadership skills.
• Professional development opportunities (lab meetings, institute seminars, and conference attendance as appropriate).
• Competitive compensation and benefits (medical, dental, vision, 403(b)), and relocation assistance as applicable.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in a relevant field (e.g., Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, Ecology, Microbiology, or related discipline). Candidates with a Master's degree are encouraged to apply.
• 3+ years of laboratory experience preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology and/or genetics (cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.).
• Comfort with careful organization and recordkeeping (tracking cloning projects, animal lines, and experimental details).
• Familiarity with sequence/plasmid design tools (e.g., Geneious, Benchling, SnapGene).
• Imaging experience (widefield fluorescence, confocal, or similar).
• Strong attention to detail and observational skill (e.g., recognizing “happy worms,” regeneration phenotypes, and subtle health changes).
• A love and excitement for the organisms we work with.