Research Technician II

Stowers Institute For Medical Research • Kansas City, MO

2d

About The Position

Are you fascinated by the bizarre world of small, wiggly, often regenerative invertebrates? The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is seeking a Research Technician II to join the Hall Lab.
Our lab is motivated by the simple premise that we shouldn't be limited to studying biology only in established “model” organisms. We are developing a suite of molecular and imaging tools to enable genetic engineering in diverse emerging model organisms, with the goal of understanding how stem cells support regeneration across the tree of life.
The selected candidate will work closely with the PI to support the lab's research efforts by:
Developing and refining techniques to maintain and expand an array of emerging model invertebrates (with a strong emphasis on flatworms).
Contributing to molecular cloning that support transgenesis and gene editing strategy development.
Performing experiments to characterize regeneration, life history traits, and phenotype variation across species.
Maintaining thorough documentation (protocols, experimental records, colony/line tracking) and contributing to lab organization and best practices.
The ideal candidate is curious, creative, and resilient in the face of experimental setbacks. They work independently when needed, communicate clearly, and consistently incorporate feedback to improve.

Requirements

• BS or MS in a relevant field (e.g., Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, Ecology, Microbiology, or related discipline).
• 3+ years of laboratory experience.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology and/or genetics (cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.).
• Comfort with careful organization and recordkeeping (tracking cloning projects, animal lines, and experimental details).
• Familiarity with sequence/plasmid design tools (e.g., Geneious, Benchling, SnapGene).
• Imaging experience (widefield fluorescence, confocal, or similar).
• Strong attention to detail and observational skill (e.g., recognizing “happy worms,” regeneration phenotypes, and subtle health changes).
• A love and excitement for the organisms we work with.

Responsibilities

• Animal husbandry to maintain several species of emerging model flatworms and related invertebrates.
• Working with the Invertebrate Culture Facility to develop and implement more automated, standardized husbandry workflows.
• Characterizing life-cycle traits and regenerative capabilities across diverse flatworm species (including phenotyping with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, and performing genetic perturbations with CRISPR and RNAi).
• Performing molecular cloning using techniques such as bacterial transformation, minipreps, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction digestion, Golden Gate assembly, and Gibson assembly.

Benefits

• Close mentorship and support to help you meet your scientific and professional goals.
• The opportunity to work with unusual and exciting emerging model organisms in the field of regenerative biology.
• The opportunity to work closely with our fantastic technology centers while gaining important leadership skills.
• Professional development opportunities (lab meetings, institute seminars, and conference attendance as appropriate).
• Competitive compensation and benefits (medical, dental, vision, 403(b)), and relocation assistance as applicable.
• Campus perks including café access, and fitness facilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees