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.

 

Research Assistant, Microscopy

Department: EMB – Embryology

Salary: TBD

Location: Baltimore, MD

The Department of Embryology of the Carnegie Institution for Science is recruiting a Research Assistant to support optical and electron microscopy. The Department conducts basic research using a wide variety of model organisms and systems and maintains an extensive portfolio of imaging instruments, including widefield fluorescence, confocal, super-resolution, and transmission electron microscopes.

This individual will assist the Department’s Electron Microscopy Specialist and the Imaging Facility Manager by conducting routine instrument upkeep and maintenance, EM sample preparation and processing, operation of various microscopes, user training, and lab management.

Responsibilities

• EM specimen preparation: room temperature resin embedding of various plant, animal tissues, cells, and microbes; negative staining of microbes, purified organelles, and macromolecular complexes; high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution (HPF/FS); microwave processing; ultramicrotomy using diamond knives
• Maintain records of all processed specimens including a detailed account of all steps used in processing each specimen.
• Operate the TEM, and train users on the operation of the TEM and other related instruments. Perform image post-processing and analysis of results.
• Perform general maintenance and basic troubleshooting of electron microscopes and ancillary equipment.
• Lab management: record keeping, ordering, and reagent preparation; managing the storage and disposal of biohazardous reagents; supervising daily lab usage in the absence of the EM Specialist.
• Perform general maintenance and basic troubleshooting of various optical microscopes and related equipment.
• Assist and train users in the operation of a wide variety of automated and manual optical imaging systems (widefield fluorescence, confocal, stereoscopic, imaging scanners, and other instruments).
• Assist users with the proper use of image analysis and visualization software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA/BS in biology, chemistry, or related scientific or engineering field with hands-on experience in basic laboratory and scientific methods in a research environment.
• Knowledge and skills in TEM sample processing and instrument operation is preferred but not required.
• Hands-on experience with optical microscopes and microscopy techniques is required; familiarity with image acquisition and processing software is strongly preferred.

Individuals with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a combination of education and experience will be considered. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Other:         

May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials, and/or ionizing radiation.

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 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.

 

Laboratory Technician to Study Cnidarian Symbiosis and Functional Genetics

Department: EMB – Embryology

Salary: TBD

Location: Baltimore, MD

Position Overview:

The Cleves lab is a newly established 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.

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. Specifically, the work will be to establish reverse-genetics protocols and apply NanoSIMS on coral and related cnidarians to understand the relationship between nutrient exchange and symbiosis.

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits. Please note that this is a two-year position. 

Essential Job Duties:

• Establish protocols to track metabolite exchange with NanoSIMS in Aiptasia anemones, hard corals, and soft corals that we have cultured in the lab.
• Assisting with the husbandry and spawning of the lab’s sea anemone, coral, and algal cultures (e.g., feeding animals, cleaning and disinfecting aquarium tanks)
• Applying standard molecular biology methods (g., PCR, Gibson and other cloning methods, gel electrophoresis)
• 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 professional conduct that supports a collaborative, collegial, and inclusive research environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in molecular and cell biology; Using reverse genetic technologies.
• Experience with metabolomics, nutrient, and metabolism pathways
• Experience with cnidarians and model organisms
• Experience with NanoSIMS

While these qualifications are desired, curious candidates from any area of life sciences who are enthusiastic about learning are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Education and Skills:

• 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 submit an application with the following application materials.

• 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 1st, 2022. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. The projected start date for this position is the Spring of 2023.

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 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 equal opportunity 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 another protected group status.