Lab tech position in Entomology - UMD

For exceptional graduating seniors with entomology and molecular experience.

Title: University of Maryland Faculty Assistant
Location: College Park, MD
Department: CMNS, Entomology
Supervisors: Principal Investigator (PI) Megan Fritz
Salary: $35,000-$44,000 plus University benefits (http://uhr.umd.edu/benefits/)
Category Type: Non-tenured, continuing contract (12 mo.)
Duration: 12 to 24 months contingent upon performance

Position Description. The incumbent will provide mosquito rearing and laboratory research support to the Fritz Lab in the Department of Entomology. Research in the Fritz lab involves study of the mosquito, Culex pipiens, to discover the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying human blood feeding and transmission of West Nile virus. The successful applicant will be responsible for collecting and maintaining Cx. pipiens colonies required for this research program, performing routine molecular and/or genetics procedures, and assisting with data collection for laboratory assays. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for general laboratory maintenance and supervision of undergraduate student laboratory technicians who are participating in the PI’s research program.

Primary Responsibilities. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
1.) Supervision of undergraduate technicians and participation in the maintenance of mosquito colonies.
2.) Sugar and blood feeding of mosquitoes using an artificial membrane feeder.
3.) Establishing and maintaining genetic crosses between mosquito populations that will be used for behavioral experimentation.
4.) Data aggregation and spreadsheet/database entry according to standard laboratory protocols.
5.) Isolating genomic DNA from insect specimens, as well as conducting routine PCRs, gel electrophoresis, and Sanger sequencing preparations under the direction of the PIs.
6.) Ordering laboratory consumables, running errands to purchase insect culturing supplies, conducting chemical inventories, preparing for laboratory safety inspections, and documenting standard operating procedures under the direction of the PI.

Note: Additional responsibilities may vary as research emphasis changes in the laboratory. Opportunities also exist for independent research and participation in scientific writing contingent upon performance and level of interest.

Minimum Requirements. A Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field with a minimum of 1 year employment experience in any field. Employment experience can have occurred prior to or concurrent with post-secondary education. A current Maryland driver’s license with a clean driving record is a requirement for this position. Good written and oral communication, as well as an ability to work independently must be confirmed by references.

Preferred Qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants with: 1) Previous experience/employment in an academic laboratory environment, 2) insect rearing experience, 3) familiarity with basic molecular tools and techniques (DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis), and 4) previous experience in a supervisory/mentoring role.

Closing Date. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will remain open
until filled.

Applications. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV/resume, and a list of 3
references to Megan Fritz (mfritz13@umd.edu).

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.