Research Technician Genome engineering and technology development

The Research Technician will be eager to join the Chavez lab at Columbia University to engage in independent and collaborative research projects focused in the areas of synthetic biology, genome engineering, drug development, and neurodegenerative diseases (see: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=sbYrDlMAAAAJ for overview of PI’s publication record). They will be exposed to a variety of model systems (yeast, mammalian cell culture and mouse models) and be provided ample opportunities to be mentored by the PI and other members of the laboratory. From their experience in the lab the selected candidate will gain knowledge of modern molecular methods and high-throughput experimental design, execution and analysis. The Research Technician will also devote a portion of their time towards day-to-day laboratory maintenance such as stocking common reagents, passaging cell lines, ordering equipment and arranging for repairs when necessary.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The principal duties of this position are to perform research with direct oversight from the PI along with helping maintain an organized laboratory. This includes:

•        Participate in molecular and cellular biology experiments

•        Maintenance of mammalian cell stocks

•        Routine stocking of the laboratory for common reagents

•        Ordering

•        Equipment maintenance

•        Organizing transitions of new fellows arriving to the lab and senior fellows leaving the lab

•        Help manage the maintenance of clean and organized freezer spaces

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

•        Honesty

•        Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail

•        Capable of independent as well as collaborative work

•        Excellent documentation skills

•        Effective interpersonal and communication skills

•        Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems and interpret acceptability of data results

•        Proficient in the use of Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

EDUCATION:

•        Minimum Required: Bachelor's Degree

EXPERIENCE:

•        Required: Experience with basic molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction digestion, plasmid isolation).

·        Preferred: Knowledge of more advanced molecular techniques (e.g. Golden Gate cloning, Gibson assembly, next generation sequencing, CRISPR, qRT-PCR, multiplex PCR design and implementation) and yeast and/or mammalian tissue culture experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

•        Laboratory members work with animals in the lab, the work may include working with small animals (mice)