Research Associate - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Research Associate - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Company:
North Carolina State University

Job Location:
Category: Entomology
Type: Full-Time

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Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
We are seeking an outstanding, self-motivated Research Associate who will be responsible for taking the lead on an APHIS-funded project aimed at expressing antigen genes in the red flour beetle and the yellow mealworm. Specifically, the successful candidate is expected to work independently to carry out the molecular and genetic tasks required to overexpress the genes of interest, and to contribute to the design, development and deployment of new experimental protocols as required.

Main tasks would be:

• Assist PI with design and construction of homology directed repair constructs carrying one or more antigen genes (~20-30 constructs total)
• Microinject precelluar insect embryos with CRISPR reagents, rear to adulthood, set up crosses and select gene edited offspring
• Confirm gene editing via PCR/sequencing
• Establish homozgous strains of flour beetle and/or mealworm carrying one or more of the above transgenes

Works independently to collect data and analyze research results for specific aspects of the APHIS-funded project.

• Documents transformation efficiency of each construct and in bot species.
• Characterizes each strain to ensure antigene expression doesn't have a negative impact of fitness.
• Confocal microphotography with antibody to show location and relative abundance of antigene

Participates in formulating research methods and suggests options for improving the quality of experimental protocols.

• Assists the PI in fine-tuning embryo collection protocol for mealworms
• Assists the PI in determining best constructs/strains for downstream use

Other Work/Responsibilities:
Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Writing initial drafts of research papers
• Assisting the PI in overseeing other research projects
• Mentoring students (undergraduate and graduate).

Minimum Experience/Education:
Must have a PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or other related field. Must have experience with embryonic microinjection, flour beetle genetics, and familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.

Required Qualifications:
An in depth understanding and ability to independently perform Embryonic microinjections, carry-out Molecular Biology protocols such as Cloning, and perform High-level photo microscopy (confocal etc) are required.

Preferred Qualifications:
At least 3 years experience with Tribolium (use as a genetic model).
At least 5 years experience in genetics, molecular biology or biotechnology.

Required License or Certification:
N/A