Summary

The lab uses mice as models to investigate mechanisms causing the muscular dystrophy called myotonic dystrophy, the most common cause of muscular dystrophy in adults. They also investigate gene expression regulation during normal heart and skeletal development, focusing on genes mis-regulated in myotonic dystrophy. The position requires use of molecular biology techniques to genotype mice and maintain mouse colonies, perform molecular analyses such as western blots, PCR, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy. The technician should enjoy being organized and detail oriented. The lab provides an interactive and stimulating environment with opportunities for independence and career growth. The position includes opportunities to train and orient less experienced personnel such as students and research technicians.

For more information: https://www.bcm.edu/research/labs/tom-cooper

Job Duties

• Orders reagents for a lab of 6-8 researchers that includes monitoring inventory of supplies.
• Maintains equipment by contacting service personnel for repairs when required and managing maintenance contracts.
• Works with principal investigator to help plan and conduct research experiments to compare protein and RNA expression in different tissues of mice to determine the impact of individual genes. 
• Works on experiments will include analysis of gene expression in cell culture, IF and FISH microscopy and can include work with AAV and CRISPR.
• Documents results, evaluates and analyzes data from western blots, RT-PCR analysis, PCR analysis and cell culture work. Reports to the principal investigator to be involved in discussions of conclusions and decisions regarding next steps.
• Trains and orients the research staff.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience working with mice. 
• Experience in maintaining mouse colonies, mouse genotyping, PCR, RNA extraction, RT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy.
• Be organized and detail oriented.