Research Technician (Ruta Lab)

A 2-3 year Research Technician position is available in the laboratory of Vanessa Ruta at the Rockefeller University in New York City. The Ruta Lab applies a broad multidisciplinary approach to examine odor detection and perception in insects, from the molecular basis for odorant detection to the behavioral algorithms underlying olfactory plume navigation. One focus of the lab is on the molecular basis of odorant signaling in insect olfactory receptors, using membrane protein biochemistry, cryo-EM structure determination, electrophysiology and other functional assays to reveal insight into how this large and highly divergent family of ion channels can recognize the vast chemical world.

Ongoing work, funded by generous support from HHMI, NIAID, and the Gates Foundation is revealing broader principles of how odors are recognized, by determining the structures of receptors bound by different odorants and exploring the underlying structural basis for their chemical tuning through rational interrogation of structure/function relationships at the molecular level. Unraveling the molecular basis for odorant recognition and signal transduction in insect odorant receptors (ORs), an evolutionary innovation of insects, lays the groundwork for the rational design of novel classes of insect repellents to control human disease vectors, and to engineer synthetic diagnostic "noses" to detect human disease-associated volatile compounds. More information about the lab can be found on this website.

About the Research Technician role:

The Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior is seeking a research assistant that will work as part of a small and experienced team to carry out structure-function studies of olfactory receptors. The work will include membrane protein biochemistry (expression, purification, and analysis), in vivo and in vitro functional assays (cell-based Ca2+ imaging, cellular and in vivo electrophysiology, reconstituted liposome systems) and structural characterization (single-particle cryo-EM structure determination, model building, in silico molecular docking and dynamics). Ideal candidates will be motivated to learn and contribute experimentally and conceptually exhibit a strong drive to organize, document, interpret, and communicate results, have a passion for scientific discovery and advancement, and a strong commitment to learning and growing professionally within the lab for at least 2 years before moving on to their next opportunity.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits

• Training and further skill building around various biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.

• Strong potential for contribution to research publications.

• Working closely with and being mentored by a senior member of the Ruta lab team.

• Opportunity to present lab data.

What you'll do:

• Perform functional and structural characterization of receptors to explore odorant tuning.

• Employ a variety of techniques including: molecular cloning, mammalian and insect tissue culture, baculovirus production, cell transfection and infection, affinity purification, fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography, cell-based functional assays, electrophysiology cryo-electron microscopy and computational docking.

• Work independently to design, perform, and analyze experiments.

• Actively contribute to research projects, including supporting experiments and presentation of data in laboratory meetings.

• Perform lab maintenance duties as needed.

• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

What you bring:

• A Bachelor's degree (or higher) in biochemistry, chemistry or a closely related field.

• Experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR and cloning.

• Experience with tissue culture and cell transfection.

• Experience in biochemistry techniques such as affinity purification and/or cryoEM would be a plus.

• Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills.

• An excellent self-starting attitude with strong capability to bring innovative ideas and solutions to complex problems.

• Eagerness to grow professionally, learn new techniques, and be mentored.

• Able to eventually work independently after an initial period of training.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer