EMB – Embryology

Research Technician

Department: EMB – Embryology

Salary: TBD

Location: Baltimore, MD

Job Summary:

The Kostova laboratory at Carnegie’s Department of Embryology in Baltimore is searching for a full-time research technician. This is a great opportunity to work with a postdoctoral fellow using cutting-edge technologies to answer fundamental questions of cell biology. Ideal candidates should have a B.S. in Biology or a related field, experience in modern molecular biology techniques, a strong work ethic, and be able to join the position for at least 2 years.

We are investigating the fundamental question of how different types of ribosomes regulate translation and embryogenesis. Despite ribosomes’ importance, they are traditionally seen with minimal regulatory activity. Exciting new studies challenge this concept and provide evidence that organisms assemble ribosomes with different makeups during development in response to stress, including the development of multiple cancers. Although ribosome heterogeneity is hypothesized to alter translation, little experimental data exist to demonstrate this. The zebrafish embryo provides a power system to tackle this question. We use cutting-edge technology, such as genome editing and high throughput sequencing technology, to tag different ribosome populations and determine their ability to synthesize proteins.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with strong organizational skills to join our team and help explore these novel areas of biology.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform genome editing and characterize zebrafish strains (genotyping, qPCR, Western blotting)
  • Isolation of ribosomes and RNA analysis (sucrose gradient fractionation, immunoprecipitation, RNA purification, and electrophoresis)
  • Maintenance and upkeep of zebrafish-related infrastructure

Requirements:

  • B.S. in Biology (or equivalent)
  • Lab experience
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team

Preferred Skills:

  • Modern molecular biology techniques, e.g., DNA/RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, qPCR, plasmid cloning, SDS­PAGE, and Western blotting
  • Some experience working with zebrafish or other vertebrates in a research laboratory.
  • Great organizational skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

If interested please submit the following documents:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Academic transcript
  • Recommendation letters (at least 2)

Research Environment:

The Department of Embryology is one of six departments comprising the Carnegie Institution for Science. The department functions as a private, non-profit research institute affiliated with Johns Hopkins University and is located adjacent to the JHU Homewood campus in Baltimore, MD. The Department consists of 10 laboratories studying a variety of questions in cell and developmental biology. For more information about the Department, visit https://emb.carnegiescience.edu/.

Additional Information:

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with various viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.

 

Laboratory Technician in Cnidarian Molecular Genetics

Department: EMB – Embryology

Salary: TBD

Location: Baltimore, MD

Position Overview:

The Cleves lab is a research group at the Carnegie Institution’s Embryology Department
(https://emb.carnegiescience.edu/), located on the Johns Hopkins University
Homewood campus in Baltimore, MD. We seek an enthusiastic and organized research
technician for our laboratory. The role of the technician will be to extend transgenic
methods in Aiptasia, while contributing to general husbandry of the animals. This job is
for 1 year with the possibility of extension.

Our new lab uses genetic, biochemical, and cell biology methods to understand the
molecular and cellular bases of coral-algal symbiosis and its breakdown due to stress.
We study corals in the field and utilize several tractable model organisms in the lab
(e.g., the small anemone, Aiptasia). Our research is motivated both by the fascinating
and poorly understood biology of corals and by the desire to help protect the world’s
endangered coral reefs. This position provides an opportunity for a motivated, reliable,
organized, and disciplined person to support and participate in this multidisciplinary
research that has significant implications for both medicine and conservation biology.

This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits, with an anticipated start
date in the early 2024.

Essential Job Duties:

  •  Assisting with the husbandry and spawning of the lab’s sea anemone and
    algal cultures (e.g., feeding animals, cleaning and disinfecting aquarium tanks,
    breaking down aquarium tanks requiring the ability lift up to 40 pounds).
  •  Assays (e.g., microscopy, genotyping, and quantification of symbiont density)
  •  Extending transgenic methods in Aiptasia.
  •  Meeting routinely with Dr. Cleves to discuss research progress, priorities, and
    strategies.
  •  Attending weekly laboratory meetings and preparing regular oral presentations
  •  Maintaining precise records of work, in both hand-written and electronic
    formats
  •  Maintaining the cleanliness of shared lab spaces
  •  Assisting with support duties relating to general lab management and
    organization
  •  Maintaining professional conduct that supports a collaborative, collegial, and
    inclusive research environment

Required Education & Skills:

  •  Experience in molecular and cell biology
  •  Experience or familiarity applying transgenic methods to model or non-model
    organisms.
  •  Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in life sciences or related
    disciplines with at least one year of experience working in a research laboratory
  •  General understanding of scientific principles
  •  General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer
    programs, databases, and scientific applications
  •  Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance
  • Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

To be considered for this position, please send the following materials by e-mail to Dr.
Cleves (cleves@carnegiescience.edu) as a single PDF:

  •  Brief cover letter including long-term career goals
  •  CV emphasizing prior research experience
  •  Contact information for three references
  • Undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are fine)

Priority will be given to candidates who apply by December 1, 2023. Applications will
continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Additional information:

The Department of Embryology is one of six departments comprising the Carnegie
Institution for Science. The department functions as a private, non-profit research
institute affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University and is located adjacent to the JHU
Homewood campus in Baltimore, MD. The department consists of 10 laboratories
studying a variety of questions in cell and developmental biology. For more information
about the Department, visit https://emb.carnegiescience.edu/.

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with various viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.

Carnegie is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.