Associate Professor - Pathology, Research

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Job Title: Head of Transgenics and Mouse Genetic Engineering 

Reports to: Director, Cancer Modeling Shared Resources 

Job Summary:  

The Head of Transgenics and Mouse Genetic Engineering will lead the design, development, and coordinate the management of genetically engineered mouse models for research as part of the Cancer Modeling Shared Resource and under the supervision of Dr. Bilbao. The successful candidate will ensure the implementation and provision of animal transgenic and genetic engineering services. These services include the use of CRISPR/Cas9 targeting to produce gene knockouts, conditional knockouts, single-point mutations, and insertions and gene fusions, also simultaneously mutating multiple genes in a single experiment; transgenic mice generation by injecting plasmid or bacterial artificial chromosome DNA constructs into inbred and outbred mouse strains; knockout (KO) mice, conditional knockout (CKO) mice, knock-in (KI) mice generation using traditional ES cell targeting including C57BL6 ESCs; ES cell, tetraploid and iPS cell microinjection; rederivation; embryo and sperm cryopreservation; in vitro fertilization; tail biopsy and genotyping. This comprehensive role demands a combination of technical expertise, managerial acumen, and ethical responsibility to advance research through the development of state-of-the-art transgenic mouse model services. 

Specific responsibilities of the position include and are not limited to: 

1. Strategic Planning and Implementation 

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for generating transgenic mouse models to meet project-specific research goals. 

• Employ cutting-edge genetic modification techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9, pronuclear injection, homologous recombination, and other genome-editing tools, to design custom mouse lines. 

• In coordination with the director, collaborate with research teams to identify genetic modifications that align with scientific objectives. 

2. Experimental Techniques: Model Creation, Colony Management and Model Characterization 

• Model Creation includes perform embryo microinjections and other advanced micromanipulation techniques to introduce genetic modifications; optimize experimental protocols for high efficiency and reliability in transgenic mouse generation; troubleshoot technical challenges during genetic engineering and embryo handling processes. 

• Colony Management includes  design and oversee breeding programs to establish, expand, and maintain transgenic mouse colonies; ensure accurate genotyping, phenotyping, and pedigree tracking of all mouse lines; and implement strategies for colony scaling to support large-scale production while minimizing genetic drift. 

• Model Characterization includes characterize transgenic mice for successful gene integration, expression levels, and phenotypic outcomes through molecular, cellular, and phenotypic assays; utilize bioinformatics tools to analyze genetic data and validate model designs; provide detailed interpretation of experimental results to stakeholders and researchers. 

3. Recordkeeping, Reporting and Compliance 

• Maintain meticulous records of all experimental procedures, breeding data, and analysis results. <