Research Specialist - Zebrafish Transgenics

About the Department:

This role is within the Shared Resource, Molecular Genomics. Within Molecular Genomics, the Molecular Biology, Quantitative Genomics, and Viral Tools Shared Resources reside.  Molecular Genomics creates a bridge and alignment of these shared resources and adds capabilities with the addition of genome engineering for zebrafish and Danionella.  Molecular Genomics may add support for genome engineering in other organisms in the future (e.g. drosophila, C. elegans, aphids, bumblebees).

What We Provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment

• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.

• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.

• Collaboration with research labs and other shared resources, including Aquatics, Viral Tools, Molecular Biology, Quantitative Genomics, Rodent Transgenics, and Fly Facility. Flexible working hours.

What You'll Do:

• Responsible for the molecular biology pipeline to create new genetically modified strains of zebrafish, Danionella, and other aquatic organisms used in research at Janelia.

• Serves as the project manager for creation of genetically modified zebrafish lines, working closely with the Aquatics team.

• Serves as the expert on genome engineering in aquatic organisms, including Tol2, CRISPR-Cas9, and other similar techniques, recommending the appropriate system to use for the researcher’s ideal study.

• Independently organizes the workload for zebrafish transgenic construct design, production, and delivery to the Aquatics team.

• Responsible for the design of constructs, guide RNA, and other genomic sequences needed for the creation and identification of transgenic zebrafish lines.

• Uses databases and software to validate the design of the construct, guide RNA, and genotyping primers.

• Performs molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to cloning, plasmid preps, PCR, and DNA extraction.

• Reviews literature and stays up to date on groundbreaking techniques for genome engineering in aquatic organisms.

• Uses established computer database to keep track of transgenic fish colonies and the genetic modifications in those lines.

• Works closely with labs and other shared resources on the development of materials used for gene modifications.

What You Bring:

• Master’s degree and two years of related experience or Bachelor’s degree and six years of related experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the creation of genetically modified aquatic organisms.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of modern genome engineering (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) to create genetically modified zebrafish.

• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology techniques to support the design of genome engineering constructs and related reagents.

• Demonstrated knowledge of zebrafish hands-on work to create genetically modified lines.

• In-depth knowledge and the ability to effectively communicate on modern genome engineering techniques in aquatic organisms and the procedures for the care and use of zebrafish in research.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.