The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is comprised of Research, Clinical and Academic missions. This position is responsible for the research component of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Project: The project revolves around human accelerated regions (HARs), which are segments of DNA that have two specific qualities that-together-make them prime candidates for specifying human-specific traits. We have identified one particular HAR that acts as a transcriptional enhancer. Thus, our hypothesis is that this HAR has altered its ability to act as an enhancer in humans (e.g., making it either weaker or stronger), which, in turn, has altered gene expression in a manner that has led to the acquisition of one or more human-specific traits. We have obtained several lines of evidence that this HAR acts in the developing brain.

Under supervision, the SRA 1 will assist with a project investigating how humans acquired their unique characteristics, Assist with neural development, both with human cells in vitro and in HAR-knockout and -knockin mice in vivo. The incumbent will manage and maintain mouse colony, including various knockout and transgenic mice lines. Assist in evaluating, breeding, organizing, sampling and conducting experiments with these genetically engineered mice. Perform and assist with experiments in mammalian cell lines using techniques such as DNA and RNA preparation, DNA and RNA analysis, DNA transfection, and tissue culture. Responsible for ensuring laboratory safety, maintaining a laboratory inventory, performing general lab maintenance, assisting with the ordering of supplies, and directing the work of undergraduate students.

• Theoretical knowledge of general biology, chemistry, and molecular biology.

• Experience working with a variety of laboratory equipment, including but not limited to centrifuges, spectrophotometers, darkroom equipment, and gel electrophoresis equipment.

• Willingness to perform experiments involving the handling, dissection, and sacrifice of laboratory mice. Willingness and ability to work with radioactive isotopes, recombinant DNA, biohazardous materials, and toxic chemicals.

• Good interpersonal skills to be effective in communicating and interacting with a variety of people within a large laboratory setting and in administrative components within and outside the University.

• Good organizational skills and the ability to organize and maintain a clean laboratory, maintain inventory, and order supplies.

• Ability to take initiative & handle responsibility.

• Good verbal & written communication.

• Good computer skills and experience with various software packages including graphing, drawing programs, and Excel.

• Ability to handle, inject, sacrifice, and collect tissues from mice.

• Knowledge of rodent anatomy and neuroanatomy, mouse husbandry, and reproductive functions.

• Ability to work with tissue culture cells under sterile conditions.

• Experience with PCR, DNA isolation, and gel electrophoresis.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety including radioactive/biohazard handling and disposal techniques, and the ability to ensure laboratory compliance with required safety regulations.

• Knowledge of plasmids, sterile technique, preparation of solutions/media, bacteriology, and molecular cloning.

• Employee must be willing to perform experiments involving the handling, dissection, and sacrificing of laboratory mice.

• Must work with recombinant DNA and occasionally with toxic materials and radioactive isotopes.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.