Research Technician II (Multiple Positions)

Maintain laboratory plants and insect or other arthropods (mites, etc.) in colonies (indoor chambers); keep inventory of and place orders of relevant reagents, supplies, cages, sticky traps, pots, soil, labels, bulbs, and fertilizer. Conduct laboratory research supervised by the PI and senior post-doc or laboratory professional involving feeding assays, data collection, and downstream analysis. Carry out organ extirpations and in situ labeling and microscopy (light, fluorescence, confocal and/or TEM) of whole insect bodies or organs. Isolate DNA and RNA from specimens followed by PCR/RT-PCR amplification, cloning, and sequencing (Sanger or high throughput)/sequence analysis using lab protocols, in coordination with the PI and senior scientists in the lab. Summarize and assist in analysis and interpretation of data/results to arrive at conclusions and next steps. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): General knowledge of insects and rearing, micro and macro-manipulation of insects. Knowledge of experimental design and ability to follow and troubleshoot protocols. General understanding of experimental design/controls. Knowledge of record keeping, including lab and e-notebooks. Interest in studying/knowledge of relevant literature. Ability to work independently and on a team. Excellent communications skills, written and oral.