POSITION SUMMARY: 

Function: The lab studies the expression and function of genes involved in programmed cell death (Apoptosis), survival signaling and compensatory proliferation in Drosophila. Individual must be able to participate in all laboratory activities.

Scope:  Responsible for performing laboratory duties and experiments in accordance with instructions received from the supervisor. A detailed description is given below.

Fly husbandry

• Maintaining stock collection (transfer every 4 weeks)
• Keeping electronic copy of stock collection (FileMaker, Excel worksheet) up-to-date
• Fly trash disposal
• Ordering fly food from fly kitchen (weekly)
• Replace labels on vials (once a year)
• Sending out fly stocks and reagents to other researchers

Routine laboratory maintenance

• Overseeing laboratory equipment
• Organization of fridges and freezers
• Maintaining confocal microscope
• Training new users for use of confocal microscope
• Ordering reagents from vendors when needed
• Preparing solutions for general use (10x PBS, 10x TAE, etc.)
• Organization of the antibody collection
• Maintaining time sheet
• Additional duties on request

Experimentation

• Assist PI, postdocs or students in scientific projects
• Dissection of imaginal discs and other tissues
• Perform immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, BrdU, in-situ hybridization
• Obtaining data at the confocal microscope (after proper training)
• Participation in mutagenesis screens, RNAi screens
• Perform basic molecular biology experimental procedures including, but not limited to: PCR, DNA cloning, mini- and maxi-preps, Southern and Northern blot hybridization, Western blotting, and occasional library screening.
• Should be able to use various lab instruments correctly.
• Basic computer skills are needed (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Filemaker, Internet browser, etc.).
• Should speak, hear, write and read English well, with excellent comprehension. Must be open and willing to ask questions of faculty, postdoctoral fellows and other lab workers in seeking answers to problems, etc.
• Data recording and record keeping

Click here to view the Bergmann Lab website.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project
• Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used
• Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps with a degree of independence while under the direction of the PI or designee
• Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee
• Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects
• Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol
• Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice
• Present findings at lab/group meetings
• Monitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted
• May assist with laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment
• Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
• Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards
• Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
• Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements
• Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions
• May assist with the training of new lab personnel
• Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
• May assist with drafting manuscripts sections
• Perform other duties as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science and 18 months of relevant research experience or a related Master’s degree.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Ability to work in a team environment