Job Title: Research/Laboratory Technician with the Tata Institute of Genetics and Society, inStem,Bangalore, Karnataka

Under the general supervision of the Insectary Manager, the insectary lab technician will be involved in the rearing and transgenesis experiments of mosquito vectors of diseases, working with insectary staff and the insectary manager in the maintenance of mosquito colonies used in experiments, care of vertebrate animals used to feed insects, as well as keeping records of experiments. The incumbent must be willing to work flexible hours and occasional overtime as needed for mosquito and insectary upkeep. In addition, the incumbent must be willing to work with vertebrate animals and mosquitoes, and have no allergies to either.

Specific tasks of the insectary lab technician include assembling disposable mosquito cages and/or maintaining Bugdorm cages, providing sucrose to adult mosquitoes as needed, making larval food, picking pupae, cutting and autoclaving egg papers, drying egg papers, feeding with Hemotek feeding systems, maintaining eggs for colonies, monitoring vertebrate animals used for blood feeding if used, filling humidifiers as needed, and keeping records of all maintenance duties and experiments. The incumbent is responsible for adhering to all Standard Operating Procedures and safety requirements for the laboratory and insectary.

Functions and Tasks

I. FUNCTION NAME: Maintain mosquito colonies
% TIME: 55%
ESSENTIAL: Yes
RELATED TASKS

  1. Assist with feedings of adult mosquitoes with sugar water, artificial membrane blood feeding, and live mouse blood feeding

  2. Assist in the maintenance of mosquitoes from egg stage through hatching, larvae, pupae, emerging adult mosquitoes, and further egg laying.

  3. Construct disposable mosquito cages

  4. Maintain detailed documentation of all maintenance tasks

  5. Follow SOPs for mosquito colony maintenance

II. FUNCTION NAME: Assist with routine maintenance and safety inspections
% TIME: 35%
ESSENTIAL: Yes
RELATED TASKS

  1. Assist in maintaining insectary readiness for all safety inspections, including filing paperwork, obtaining permits, and keeping all IBSC and IAEC approvals up-to-date

  2. Assist with routine maintenance of insectary and insectary equipment

  3. Assist in the maintenance of proper stocks of all supplies, including bovine blood for mosquito blood feeds

  4. Ensure that the highest levels of safety, cleanliness and orderliness are met at all times

  5. Follow all SOPs for insectary safety and organization

  6. Keep humidifiers filled, as needed

III. FUNCTION NAME: Assist with laboratory experiments to support research staff
% TIME: 10%
ESSENTIAL: Yes
RELATED TASKS

  1. Assist with small-format cage trial experiments looking at gene-drive mechanisms in mosquitoes

  2. Assist with lab procedures, including by not limited to, PCR and centrifugation

  3. Record, analyze, and prepare data for presentations and publications. Provide regular updates at laboratory meetings



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  

DESCRIPTION

IMPORTANCE

C Experience with general lab equipment including centrifuges, gel electrophores is apparatus, power supplies, spectrophotometers, PC and Mac computers

Required

D Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to present data and insectary-related updates on a regular basis

Required

E Excellent organization and record-keeping skills

Required

F Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with a diverse group of people, and communicate clearly to promote positive relationships

Required

A Knowledge of mosquito biology, care, and best practices related to mosquito husbandry

Preferred

B Knowledge of basic and population genetics

Preferred

G Experience with vertebrate animals used to feed insects

Preferred

H Knowledge of basic biochemistry, chemistry, and basic molecular biology methods including PCR, oligonucleotide primer design, DNA sequencing, plasmid preparations, restriction enzyme digestions, sterile techniques media preparation, and statistical analysis.

Preferred
 

Essential Qualifications:

B.Sc in Life Sciences subjects and two years work experience in the field of entomology and mosquito handling

Application deadline: May 25, 2018

Applicants are requested to electronically send a cv, email address, skype ID, list of references with contact details, phone number and a letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the job. Applications should be sent to sunitas@instem.res.in.

Status of Position: Open