Associate Professor

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.

• Generate detailed reports summarizing project progress, outcomes, and compliance with laboratory and institutional standards.

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for routine and novel processes in transgenic model development.

• Ensure full compliance with institutional, national, and international guidelines for animal research, including IACUC and AAALAC standards, including following ethical animal research practices, and conducting regular reviews to maintain adherence to animal welfare regulations and workplace safety standards.

5. Scientific support, Collaboration and Innovation

• Conduct and support research projects based on reviews of scientific literature and recent advances in related fields while contributing original/novel ideas of major methodological significance to projects, designing key experiments, and developing new techniques while ensuring the adequate integration with the rest of the services offered by the facility to provide state-of-the-art in vivo services.

• Advises, supports, and trains relevant personnel on technical procedures, techniques, and reagents needed following the required SOPs to support genetic engineering services. 

• Foster collaborative partnerships with internal researchers and external organizations to expand capabilities and share expertise.

• Provide training on advanced genetic engineering techniques and compliance requirements.

• Stay informed about emerging technologies, methodologies, and advancements in genetic engineering, genome editing, and transgenic model development.

• Work with the director and the team to develop, adapt and implement new services and state-of-the-art technologies while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the genetic engineering and in vivo transgenesis field including major advances and emerging trends.

• Participate in scientific conferences, workshops, and collaborative networks to ensure cutting-edgeexpertise.

6. Resource and Facility Management

• Oversee the maintenance of specialized equipment, facilities, and reagents for genetic engineering and animal care.

• Coordinate procurement and budgeting for resources necessary to support ongoing projects and facility operations. 

• Manages and coordinates the activities of assigned project(s) with responsibility for results in terms of cost effectiveness, fee structure development, methods, and resources while evaluates best ways to improve desired outcomes together with the director.

• Implement quality control measures to ensure high standards in all aspects of transgenic mouse production.

7. Others

• Adhere to University and unit-level policies and procedures; safeguard University assets; participate in University/outside educational training as required.

• Perform other duties as requested.

Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort or working conditions associated with a job.  Management reserves the right to revise duties as needed. I have read and understand the requirements of this position as described in this job description and I am capable of performing these duties according to my education, training, and experience.