Laboratory Research Technician

Position Overview

The Institute for Creation Research (ICR) is developing an organism-focused theory of biological design. We aim to uncover genetic and developmental mechanisms that regulate changes in adaptive traits of animals. Our theory is original, is testable, and incorporates an engineering-based approach to characterize the process of adaptation. Accordingly, we are testing an experimental model to assess how animals continuously track conditions in their environments and self-adjust rapidly and reversibly to those conditions – Continuous Environmental Tracking (CET).

The Laboratory Technician will perform an essential supportive role in this, and future projects. This position requires participation in the operation and maintenance of an aquaculture facility containing live animals (fish), and both standard and novel experimental procedures in our molecular biology laboratory. Molecular applications will include purification, amplification, cloning and transcription of DNA and RNA resources. Applied knowledge of bioinformatics is highly recommended. Our collective efforts will investigate the expression and function of regulatory genes during animal development. Most importantly, candidates for this position are expected to be committed to problem solving, exhibit a strong work ethic, and be passionately aligned with ICR’s mission to highlight Jesus’ work as Creator.    

Preferred Technical Skills 

• Measurement and maintenance of aquaculture water quality and water chemistry
• Culturing, handling and husbandry of the embryonic and larval stages of animals 
• Purification and quantification of nucleic acid samples from animal cells and tissues
• Performance of PCR experiments and purification of products by gel electrophoresis
• Analyses of DNA, RNA and amino acid sequences for genetic identification and comparison
• Selection and amplification of genetic targets through bacterial transformation and cloning
• Proficiency with applications in bioinformatics for genetic, genomic and epigenetic datasets
• Applied whole-mount in situ hybridization (WMISH) with ribonucleic acid probes (riboprobes) 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a comprehensive laboratory notebook of all experimental methods and observations
• Catalog standard operating procedures (SOP) for all technology in the molecular laboratory
• Generate a working inventory of molecular reagents, consumables, supplies and accessories
• Operate, calibrate, maintain and update all essential equipment and associated infrastructure
• Prepare and maintain stocks of common buffers and solutions used during regular procedures
• Produce a safety manual for laboratory usage, with safety sheets for chemicals and reagent

Personal Qualifications and Perspectives  

• Provide a written personal testimony of your salvation
• Agreement with ICR’s mission statement and core principles 
• A humble, friendly, team player who will serve alongside ICR staff
• Flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends when required
• Able to compile diverse observations into a cohesive explanation
• Believe creatures look engineered because they are engineered
• Oppose evolutionary interpretations and alternative views to Creation

Recommended Academic Preparation

Qualified candidates should hold a Master of Science degree (MS or MSc) or at minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree (BS or BSc), with demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the following academic disciplines: molecular biology, developmental biology, bioinformatics, genetics or biochemistry. Applicants with a record of applied research experience in their discipline, beyond requisite course-related laboratory exercises, are preferred.

If selected for an interview, candidates will be required to share academic transcripts, and the names and contact information for 2-3 references.

Please send your professional CV and Biography to jobs@ICR.org