Drosophila-Microbe Researcher, Penn State (Advanced Professional)
Seth Bordenstein
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Bordenstein Laboratory in Penn State University’s Departments of Biology and Entomology and internally-awarded One Health Microbiome Center seeks a Research Technologist - Life Sciences (Advanced Professional) to design, implement, support, analyze, and report on rigorous research in fly-microbe symbioses and the microbiome sciences spanning insect endosymbionts, bacteriophages, and gut-associated microbiomes. This position will heavily focus on the use of Drosophila germ-free rearing, genetic editing techniques, multi-omics, fitness assays, reproductive tissue dissections, fluorescent and electron microscopy, and team management to understand the genetics and mechanisms of how bacteria modulate the Drosophila melanogaster holobiont.
The successful candidate will have priority tasks in the following areas:
- Independent experimental design, implementation, analysis, time management, and reporting
- Preparation and adherence to new scientific protocols, specimen evaluation, and biostatistics
- Coauthorship of scientific papers, grants, presentations, and summary reports
- Contribution to research methods, solutions, and technical approaches for problem solving
- Data collection, data analysis, statistics, and visualizations
- Management of trainees for molecular biology skills, biosafety measures, lab policies, equipment, proper record keeping, organismal maintenance, and performance review
- Various experimental tasks, including but not limited to insect handling, tissue dissections, biological marker staining, fluorescent microscopy, microinjections, and genotyping and quantification of insect and symbiont cells using PCR and qPCR
- Daily handling and maintenance of laboratory insect colonies at the scale of hundreds to thousands of insects per day
- Troubleshooting of emergencies, day-to-day questions by lab members, and laboratory scheduling
- Assistance of lab management and ongoing entomology, microbiology, molecular biology experiments, as assigned
- Maintenance of a welcoming, safe, and professional environment adherent to lab expectations
Education and Experience:
- Requires at least a Bachelor's degree or higher plus three or more years of work related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and documentation skills are essential.
- The successful candidate must be able to work within a team environment and demonstrate a genuine appreciation in working, leading, and managing diverse audiences.
Additional Information:
Application materials should include a single pdf with (i) a cover letter summarizing relevant experience and reasons for interest in the job, (ii) a CV that includes contact information for at least three references (name, position, telephone number, and e-mail address) and (iii) full length and first-authored works of research spanning papers, reports, posters, and presentations. This position is funded for 12 months from date of hire with excellent possibility of re-funding, pending review of performance. Please contact srb...@psu.edu for additional information. Our lab is committed to advancing diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage individuals who identify as members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM to apply.
Our lab is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts at Penn State and we encourage individuals who identify as members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM to apply.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
Community:
Pennsylvania State University is a Land-Grant university located in central Pennsylvania. State College and the surrounding communities are home to approximately 100,000 people, including over 45,000 students. The area is known for its highly ranked livability, access to nature spanning beautiful mountains, streams, and parks, and superb recreational opportunities and sports. State College has an excellent school system and offers a multitude of cultural events.