Research Technician - Reck-Peterson Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute•New York, NY

56d•Onsite

About The Position

The Reck-Peterson lab studies the molecular mechanisms of intracellular transport. This Research Technician role will be responsible for contributing to the Reck-Peterson lab’s research program on fungal biology and secondary metabolite production. The genus Aspergillus are filamentous fungi that are both biomedically and agriculturally important. Current projects aim to determine how and why organelles move in this organism. We also aim to determine the cell biology of secondary metabolite production. Individual filamentous fungi species make dozens of secondary metabolites, with prominent examples including penicillin, lovastatin, and aflatoxin. Our lab uses a broad range of techniques including proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, biochemical in vitro reconstitution, fungal genetics, and live-cell imaging. The ideal candidate for this role will be a fungal biologist with additional skills in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and confocal microscopy. At least two years of full-time research experience after obtaining an undergraduate degree is required. The Reck-Peterson lab fosters a strong culture of collaborative, team-based science, and we are seeking applicants who value and thrive in this type of research environment. The lab welcomes applications from both Research Technician II candidates and more experienced Research Technician III candidates. Compensation will be commensurate with level of experience and skill set. Dr. Reck-Peterson’s laboratory studies the mechanisms of intracellular transport. The Reck-Peterson lab strives to understand how this system works at molecular, cellular, and organismal scales. At a disease level they are interested in developing novel antifungals based on their fundamental studies of organelle trafficking and secondary metabolite production in fungi. They also strive to determine why defects in intracellular transport cause neurodegenerative diseases. They use a combination of approaches including protein biochemistry and in vitro reconstitution, single-molecule biophysics, proteomics and genomics, fungal genetics, evolutionary analysis, mammalian cell culture, and state-of-the-art live-cell imaging. Through collaborations they have access to cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to pursue structural studies of the transport machinery.

Requirements

BA or BS in the biological, biomedical or biochemical sciences.
Research experience as an undergraduate.
At least two years of additional full-time research experience.
Research Technician III candidates must have a minimum of four additional years of full-time research experience.
Fungal biology: cell culture, genetic engineering, genetics.
Molecular biology methods: cloning, PCR, genomic DNA isolation.
Bioinformatics experience.
Ability to work both independently and in a team.
Strong verbal and oral communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal interaction skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent record keeping/ lab notebook management.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with a coding language (Python or others).

Responsibilities

Research support: 50%. Support the collaborative research environment by assisting researchers in the lab who focus on fungal biology. This will include media preparation, making new fungal strains, and performing standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, genomic DNA isolation).
Independent research: 30%. This role will include developing an independent research project.
Lab Operations: 20%. Assist with lab management. This will include lab safety, ordering, and general lab maintenance.
In addition to the duties specifically identified by this job description, the position will include other duties if and as assigned by the direct supervisor or others with supervisory authority over this position.