Job Description

About the Role:

The Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior, led by Dr. Vanessa Ruta at The Rockefeller University in New York City, is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated Research Technician to join our team. 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 neural and behavioral algorithms underlying olfactory plume navigation.

One focus of the lab is to elucidate the structural basis of odorant signaling in insect olfactory receptors, using membrane protein biochemistry, single-particle cryo-EM, electrophysiology, and other functional assays to gain insight into how this large and highly divergent ion channel family 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 from different species 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) 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. 

This position is an excellent fit for a detail-oriented candidates eager to contribute to innovative structural studies of insect olfactory and chemosensory receptors in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. It is ideal for individuals planning to spend two years gaining hands-on research experience prior to pursuing a PhD or graduate program, offering exceptional mentorship, training, and professional development in a world-class research setting.  Research Technicians from the Ruta Lab have gone on to PhD, MD and MD-PhD programs at leading institutions.

More information about the lab can be found on the RU website and the lab website .

Application Instructions:

Please include—preferably as a single PDF

• Cover letter describing your research interests and goals

• CV (including relevant technical skills)

• Names and contact information for at least two references

What You’ll Get:

• Rigorous Training in molecular biology, biochemistry, and structural biology techniques

• Close Mentorship from Dr. Ruta and senior lab members in a supportive and collaborative environment

• Professional Development , including the ability to contribute conceptually as well as technically to project development, experience in diverse data analyses methods, presentation in lab meetings and at conferences and opportunities to contribute to publications and conference presentations

• Collaborative Environment with access to the rich scientific community of Rockefeller University and the broader Tri-Institutional campus

What You Will Do:

You will conduct structure–function studies of insect olfactory and chemosensory receptors using a variety of approaches, including:

• Molecular biology (mutagenesis, plasmid design, cloning)

• Membrane protein biochemistry (expression, purification, and analysis)

• Functional assays (cell-based Ca2+ imaging, cellular and in vivo electrophysiology,)

• Structural biology (single-particle cryo-EM, model building, molecular docking, and simulations)

• High-throughput screening (96-well plate readers, flow cytometry cell sorting and DNA sequencing)

Responsibilities include:

• Applying a broad range of techniques, including molecular cloning, tissue culture, baculovirus production, protein purification, size-exclusion chromatography, fluorescent assays, electrophysiology, cryo-EM, and computational modeling

• Designing, executing, and analyzing experiments

• Contributing to project development and design

• Supporting lab operations and maintenance as needed

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in biochemistry, structural biology, or a related field

• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, cloning)

• Familiarity with tissue culture and cell transfection

• Background in protein biochemistry and/or cryo-EM is a plus

• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills

• A proactive, problem-solving mindset and eagerness to learn

• Ideal commitment to at least 2 years of full-time research before pursuing the next career step

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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