Functional Genetic Technician

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
The Parker lab at Caltech is searching for a Functional Genetic Technician to generate genetically modified rove beetles (Dalotia coriaria) for the study of behavior and chemical ecology.
The successful candidate will work with the Principal Investigator and lab members (graduate students and postdocs) to establish and maintain engineered beetle lines created using CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing and transposon-mediated transgenesis technologies.
The position requires competence in molecular biology techniques for the design and construction of plasmid vectors and sgRNAs for insect genome engineering. The position also demands careful screening and husbandry of insect cultures. Necessary bioinformatic skills can be acquired through training in the Parker lab.
Essential Job Duties

• Molecular biology methods (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning, cDNA synthesis).
• Design and synthesis of sgRNAs and transformation vectors for gene editing and transgenic manipulation of rove beetles.
• Screening and husbandry of transgenic and mutant rove beetles to establish stable genetically modified lines.
• Working with genomic and transcriptomic data for the above tasks.
• Maintenance of genetically modified beetles.
• Working with postdocs and students to design and engineer project-specific genetic constructs.

• Bachelor's degree in a biology-related field with at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated molecular biology experience.

• Experience with insect genetic manipulation.
• Experience with plasmid design and construction.
• Experience with insect transgenesis.
• Experience with insect rearing/husbandry.

• Resume