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

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.