Research Technician I - Dr. Chung Drosophila Core

A Research Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Hyunglok Chung within the Drosophila Core Facility. The successful candidate will conduct independent laboratory work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and interact daily with other scientists. The position will focus on the generation and maintenance of Drosophila melanogaster model organisms, phenotypic characterization, behavioral assays, tissue dissection and staining, and fulfilling research requests from Drosophila Core clients across multiple departments. A key component of this role is ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of fly models and related services to support ongoing research projects. Qualifications * The ideal candidate for this role will have experience in a research laboratory setting, with a strong interest and hands-on experience in D. melanogaster husbandry, genetics, and imaging techniques * Experience with fly model generation (crosses, balancer genetics), phenotyping, behavioral assays, tissue dissection, and immunostaining is highly preferred * The candidate must possess excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, as well as at least a two-year commitment to this role Responsibilities * Generate and maintain Drosophila stocks and fly models, including setting up genetic crosses and managing fly food and stock collections * Perform phenotypic characterization and behavioral assays on fly models to assess genotype-phenotype relationships * Conduct tissue dissection and immunostaining of Drosophila tissues (e.g., brains, eyes, wings, imaginal discs) * Utilize imaging techniques and microscopy methods to document and analyze fly phenotypes * Fulfill research requests from Drosophila Core clients across departments, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of fly models and services * Maintain accurate records and data of research processes, stock inventories, and client requests * Maintain and monitor research equipment and supplies * Develop and optimize protocols for fly model generation, phenotyping, dissection, and staining * Follow all safety protocols while conducting research * Collaborate with Core clients and other departments to ensure successful research outcomes * Prepare and present research data for review FLSA STATUS Non-exempt QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION * High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) EXPERIENCE * None SKILLS AND ABILITIES * Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations * Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security * Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles * Ability to communicate effectively and escalate utilizing problem-solving and decision-making skills * Effective time management skills * Experience with computer spreadsheets or databases * Knowledge of Microsoft Office products * Ability to utilize independent judgment ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance to achieve optimal department results. * Collaborates with all members of the laboratory team by actively communicating, providing meaningful contributions and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner. * Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Performs bench chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques according to protocol. * Accurately conducts microscope work and basic image analysis. QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Conducts the safe collection and handling of human/animal tissue, blood or other biological specimens which includes animal handling and may include basic animal husbandry. * Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety. FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, reducing incidental overtime, and prioritizes daily tasks. * Collaborates with management to order appropriate laboratory supplies and equipment within the department. GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Participates in department initiatives, projects and shared governance activities. * Trains in new techniques and procedures as they emerge, as appropriate. * Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis. SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS WORK ATTIRE * Uniform: No * Scrubs: Yes * Business professional: Yes * Other (department approved): No ON-CALLNote that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below. * On Call* No TRAVELTravel specifications may vary by department * May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No * May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION * High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) EXPERIENCE * None Company Profile: Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports clinical research protocols and extramurally funded translational research programs. Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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